Seaside Heights Deploys FBI, SWAT and 10 p.m. Curfew Ahead of 100,000-Visitor Memorial Day Weekend
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 22
Seaside Heights Deploys FBI, SWAT and 10 p.m. Curfew Ahead of 100,000-Visitor Memorial Day Weekend
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 22
Seaside Heights is adding FBI support, SWAT teams, Homeland Security agents, mounted troopers and more roving officers for Memorial Day weekend after viral teen gatherings repeatedly disrupted the shore town.
More than 70 arrests, including 21 minors, followed last year's holiday crowds of about 100,000, and three stabbings briefly shut the boardwalk after officials said they were overwhelmed.
Officials said two officers now monitor social media for unsanctioned "pop-up parties," and the town has already blocked six such events before the weekend.
A new 10 p.m. curfew bars unaccompanied minors under 18 from the streets, short-term rentals now require an adult, and Mayor Tommy Vaz said both youths and parents could be summoned under state law.
The crackdown reflects a wider Jersey Shore problem: Wildwood and Long Branch also imposed curbs this month after teen takeover incidents, with Long Branch deploying 139 officers during one disturbance.
When teens cause chaos at the shore, should their parents be the ones facing punishment?
Is restorative justice the overlooked key to preventing future viral teen takeovers?