From Fox News: Throughout the country, swaths of dozens — sometimes hundreds — of teens are creating chaos in malls, public pools and other community spaces, with some instances leading to arrests for violent behavior and bans from businesses.
On Independence Day weekend, a crowd of hundreds of teens descended on an Illinois pool, disturbing families and partaking in illegal activity that led to the arrest of one individual.
Officers with the Glen Ellyn Police Department were called to the local park district’s pool at around 5 p.m. July 5 for reports of “a growing crowd of teenagers and young adults” that grew to approximately 200 to 300 individuals, according to a media release.
While at the pool, officials observed some of the attendees entering the area without paying, smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol and setting off fireworks, police said.
The mob was also reportedly using speakers to play loud music with inappropriate lyrics, and the pool manager told officers that the group is “not listening to the lifeguards.”
During the mayhem, the teen mob also reportedly pushed the pool manager in the water.
“Due to the unruly and illegal behavior of several attendees, the park district chose to close the pool early. Officers from several neighboring jurisdictions assisted with the evacuation of the park,” the police press release reads.
Police later released bodycam footage of the wild scene.
Similar incidents are happening around the country, and the large gatherings are being advertised and promoted on social media.
In California, the Brentwood Police Department announced on Facebook last week that a mob of over 300 teens descended on a shopping mall.
On July 12, the police department wrote:
On July 11, 2025, at around 3:30 p.m., Brentwood officers responded to the Sand Creek Crossing and Streets of Brentwood to monitor a group of juveniles engaged in a large preplanned gathering. Over time, the gathering quickly evolved to approximately 300+ juveniles that reportedly arrived in ride-share vehicles or other means of transportation from outside the area. Several in the group became unruly, physical fights occurred throughout the property, several entered various businesses knocking items off shelves and onto the ground, while others ran in-and-out of traffic on Sand Creek Road.
Out of an abundance of caution, businesses within the Streets of Brentwood closed early to protect staff and property. As the gathering became destructive and disruptive, dispersal orders were given for everyone involved to leave the property and to clear surrounding streets. Neighboring law enforcement agencies from Oakley, California Highway Patrol, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office assisted with dispersal. Four juveniles were arrested for misdemeanor violations and a fifth was arrested for battery on a peace officer.
Again on July 17, just five days later, the Brentwood Police Department announced in another Facebook post:
In response to information received regarding a large gathering being promoted on social media for Friday, July 18, 2025, the Brentwood Police Department is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
There has been an increase across the country experiencing similar large gatherings, including other counties in the Bay Area. This is not isolated to the City of Brentwood. This advisory is being issued to provide transparency around pre-planning efforts and to encourage responsible behavior from all community members.
Social media-fueled teen flash mobs prompt closures of businesses and public centers nationwide https://t.co/wuZtLxFuK7
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 21, 2025
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