LONG BRANCH: City leaders released a statement summarizing the seemingly-unruly riot-like events that transpired this weekend. What most readers saw in photos and videos was after Long Branch Police attempted to curb unruly behavior, and complaints of public drinking around 5:00 PM. The goal was to close the beach area, and ask visitors to leave the beach. This whole gathering in the city and beach area was a result of a social media post, which we have seen in various towns along the shore. Thankfully, only four people were arrested on disorderly persons offenses. There has not been an official report or tally on property damage to local businesses, or personal property. OCSN will publish a new story should additional details become available.

Also noted, while a riot is a general term for civil disorder used in media today- The official police code (10-100 in Ocean County) for a riot would need to be declared for an event be authentic.

Please read below for the official communication from Long Branch City Facebook page.

LONG BRANCH MAYOR’S OFFICE: Yesterday, a beach party of what turned out to be thousands of young people from all over the state gathered along the beachfront around Pier Village. The gathering started as a social media post which enticed young people to come to Pier Village and attracted visitors who traveled by train and car.

At around 5 PM drinking and unruly behavior began at this gathering and visitors were asked to leave the beach. The City of Long Branch Police Department acted professionally based on their experience and training. The crowd was eventually dispersed. The police arrested four individuals for disorderly persons offenses. I want to thank all of our officers for their professional response in keeping both visitors and citizens of Long Branch safe.