By Isiah Christie
As a major hub that continues to grow its community, and event expectations, Jersey City simply had to piece together a commemorative Fourth of July event. As a national representation of diversity located directly next to one of the country’s greatest cultural hubs in New York City, embodying patriotism was a requirement, not a consideration – and for many preparative days and hours, all seemed well in the city’s plan.
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop expressed extended pride in hosting the fireworks event. “We have built a tradition that showcases the incredible talent we have right here in Jersey City and gives our small businesses a platform to shine in front of tens of thousands of people,” he proclaimed. This governmental endorsement increased interest and anticipation for what would be pieced together in honor of the renowned city and its citizens, attracting a crowd of thousands at the city’s iconic Exchange Place. It was marketed as a premium event, even including a “Rooftop XP” experience complete with live DJ sets, summer-themed cocktails and handy food selections. Vendors and small businesses also flooded the streets with shopping and activity experiences, finalizing it as a family-friendly event with plenty of marketable potential.
Unfortunately, all of that promise was dissolved within moments at the mere hands of public indecency and false threats. The festival enjoyed plenty of afternoon and early evening hours of peace and quality, but upon the beginning of the fireworks show, stability unraveled as an active shooter threat was announced. The claim was eventually falsified, being mistaken for rowdy children and teenagers letting off faulty firecrackers and fireworks – however, the result was deadly. Thousands ran away from the event in a crowd, resulting in a human stampede that left many disoriented, traumatized, and injured.
“Hundreds of people began running towards us … My son wrapped himself around my waist with his legs so I could run and I ended up in a dead end with fences all around. I was ready to climb them because I didn’t know what I was running from.”, u/Negative-Cookie9308 on the Jersey City subreddit recalled. “I tried to be a good mother and take my son out to view the beautiful fireworks and I ended up traumatizing my son. He never wants to celebrate the 4th of July. This is heartbreaking.”
Others reported groups of teenagers instigating fights, shoving, and letting off firecrackers as a scare tactic that captured the attention of law enforcement and locals. Attendees praised the Jersey City Police Department for their swift reaction and bravery, but criticized the security procedures and regulation of attendees. “I wish the area was cordoned off and had some kind of bag check like they do on concerts…”, u/TMTechWorld on the Jersey City subreddit complained.
This contrasts negatively with the preciseness and safety measures of other major events in the metropolitan area – especially given the proneness to a loud, diverse crowd – and subsequently rendered the event a failure to learn from. It is likely Jersey City will bounce back, but there will be a dark cloud of hesitancy and skepticism regarding their Fourth of July events moving forward.
