HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Videos posted to social media show teens pushing each other in shopping carts and firing off fireworks, some of which are thrown at people in the parking lot of Hamtramck Town Center during Fourth of July festivities.
Mohamed Baidani, a Hamtramck resident who said he was at the gathering, described the last half-hour as chaotic, with people throwing fireworks at each other.
“The last thirty minutes was just crazy. Everybody throwing fireworks on each other, I’m like, I need to record,” said Baidani.
Hamtramck police Chief Hussein Farhat said the event was a planned fireworks gathering that police knew about in advance, with officers stationed nearby.
He said a group of juveniles disrupted what had been a peaceful crowd.
“In this case, we had some juveniles show up and ruin it for all the other peaceful visitors who were there to enjoy the fireworks,” Farhat said.
Farhat said one juvenile was detained during the incident and later sent home.
He said the department has identified several of the teens shown in the videos and warned that consequences can extend to parents as well.
“The parents could be charged if the children are under the age of 18 for parental responsibility, and for anyone over the age of 18, they could be charged with a misdemeanor,” Farhat said.
Mayor Adam Alharbi called the behavior “completely unacceptable” in a statement posted to Facebook, saying public gathering spots should be safe for families and neighbors and that “shooting fireworks toward people and cars” puts everyone at risk.
Alharbi said he spoke with Farhat and that police focused on containing the crowd in the parking lot to keep the situation from spilling into surrounding streets. While he said he appreciated police efforts, he added, “It’s clear we need a change.”
He also said the city’s resources have been strained by other recent issues, including a transformer fire on Norwalk Street and damage from high winds, and noted the city is operating without a city manager.
Alharbi urged residents to “hold each other to a higher standard” and act with respect and responsibility.
Farhat said the department tries to proactively educate the public about fireworks safety, but that those who put others at risk will be held accountable.
“I wish it didn’t happen,” he said. “It made me sad watching that portion. I know that everybody wants to be there having fun, but there’s a way to do it while not jeopardizing everybody’s safety around you.”