What began as a day of fireworks and beach parties in Newport Beach descended into hours of mayhem, with massive crowds, mounted police, and fights spilling into the streets.
Videos circulating on social media show officers on horseback patrolling packed stretches of beach as thousands of Fourth of July revelers flooded the area.
Other clips capture police rushing into large crowds to break up fights while partygoers scattered in every direction.
The chaos extended beyond the sand.
In the city's popular nightlife district, videos appear to show fireworks bursting among crowds that had poured into the streets, with damage reported outside several local spots.
Witnesses online described a tense atmosphere as law enforcement worked to regain control.
Police maintained a heavy presence throughout the evening, with mounted units, patrol officers, and additional resources responding as crowds swelled well into the night.
Multiple videos also show officers making detentions as spectators looked on.
It is not yet clear how many arrests were made or whether anyone suffered serious injuries. Authorities have been contacted for more information.
For many visitors, the Fourth of July ended with fireworks.
For Newport Beach police, it ended with crowd control, cleanup, and a holiday night they will likely remember for all the wrong reasons.
