Authorities in Huntington Beach, California, submitted charges July 8 against 35 minors in connection with an unruly beach gathering that garnered internet infamy.
The charges stemmed from a May 22 gathering prompted by a viral TikTok video about a birthday party on the beach, dubbed Adrian’s Kickback, which garnered nearly 200 million views.
An unlawful assembly was declared after hundreds of people gathered around a lifeguard tower, dancing, taking videos, and lighting illegal fireworks.
Police in riot helmets, armed with batons, began to break up the crowd after fireworks were used, various media reported. Social media posts showed members of the crowd jumping on cars and throwing objects at police.
Property damage included a smashed rear window of a police cruiser, a broken glass door at the CVS store at Pacific Coast Highway and 6th Street, and overturned and damaged tables and chairs.
Also damaged were EZ-Up canopies associated with the Surfin’ Sundays market. Some of the merchandise left in the canopy tents overnight was stolen, and there was minor damage to the roof at Lifeguard Tower 13.
Three police SUVs suffered graffiti damage; more graffiti was found on the Pacific Coast Highway side of the condo complex Pacific City.
Police said more charges are to come for both adults and minors.
“We will also be making additional arrests in the coming weeks for those that have been identified by our detectives since the event,” police said. “The takeaway—some of you should’ve just stayed home.”
