Six people have been arrested after a video went viral on social media showing officers being physically assaulted after trying to break up a Fourth of July block party in the  Chicora Community Park on Calvert Street in North Charleston, South Carolina. 

Fourth of July Community Event

A Fourth of July celebration put on in a North Charleston, South Carolina neighborhood came to an abrupt and violent end when officers responded to reports of gunfire, fights, and assault on other officers. 

The North Charleston Police Department released video footage that was widely spread online showing a female officer attempting to take something from another female’s hand when she was attacked from behind.

The police department says that the block party in the Chicora-Cherokee community was permitted by the city, and earlier that day police leadership discussed traffic and parking plans with the event organizers “to ensure emergency vehicles could safely access the area if needed.”

Violent End to Block Party

Around 8:30 p.m. local time, officers began receiving calls about gunfire and fireworks being shot off hazardously. When officers arrived, they found multiple firearms, two being automatic, on several people and a makeshift spear. 

“Officers made repeated public announcements, advising that the event had ended and directing everyone to leave the area safely in an attempt to de-escalate the situation,” North Charleston Police Chief Ron Camacho said.

Police estimated there were around 400 people in attendance, and the number continued to grow between the first officer’s response and the second. “It was the next time that we showed up that the crowd grew exponentially,” Camacho said. “And that’s when there was problems.”

Multiple fights broke out, guns continued firing off, and patrol officers were forced out of their vehicle to protect the public and put an end to the situation. Meanwhile, several of those officers were jumped by attendees, punched, beaten with items, leaving two of the female officers with minor injuries.

“The two female officers that were injured are fine. They’re working,” Camacho said. “The young officer that’s in the video — she’s back working today.”

Arrests and Charges

Officers arrested six people, including four juveniles, while they continued their investigation. The juveniles are likely to face multiple charges, including third-degree assault by mob, assault on police while resisting arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a machine gun and breach of peace.

The two adults arrested include 19-year-old Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell and 18-year-old Sa’Mya Adriana Collette Weaver. Campbell is charged with possession of a machine gun, while Weaver is charged with breach of peace and assault of police while resisting arrest.

Charleston Police Say Investigation is Ongoing

The investigation is ongoing and “it’s possible that more individuals will face charges as a result, with the possibility of further charges being added to those already listed,” according to the Charleston Police Department.

“More arrests will be made as we go through our body camera footage,” Camacho said. “What you got on that social media, you’re looking at one little snippet, at one little video. We were out there for an extended period of time.”

“Attacks on law enforcement are unacceptable, and those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the department added. “The safety of our residents and visitors remains our highest priority.”

Police thanked the attendees who were compliant throughout the altercation and the community members who helped de-escalate the situation.

Community Advocate Reacts to Violence

Elvin Speights, a community advocate, described the video as hard to watch. “A lot of emotions. Ashamed. Disgraced,” Speights said. “I’m very pleased that no one was seriously hurt. That could have gone really bad.”

He said the block party was not a problem until it escalated and violence ensued. “We just can’t do that,” Speights said. “We can’t attack and jump on a police officer who was just trying to do her job and beat her like that, like a mob. That just can’t happen.”

Speights thanked the Charleston police for their response, and called for them and the community to collaborate more moving forward. “I think the city can reach out with some leaders and those who are organizing, want to throw these parties, and work together and try to help set the tone throughout the community,” he said.

“I just wanted to give a huge shout-out to that officer who showed humongous restraint on not going out here and pulling her gun and start shooting,” Speights continued. “The North Charleston Police Department as a whole — no one was seriously hurt. They showed a lot of restraint.”