The Metropolitan Police Department has confirmed the arrest of 18 individuals following reports of disorderly conduct and illegal firework use in the Navy Yard area. The incident occurred during the evening hours of July 4, 2025, as First District officers responded to multiple calls, as reported by MPDC's official release. The police action resulted in the apprehension of predominantly juveniles, with 16 minors and 2 adults taken into custody.
Witnessing illegal fireworks being detonated, officers were dispatched to the vicinity of First and M Street, Southeast, to discourage further infractions. During the evening, an increase in patrol presence was noted to enforce the law and maintain order. As part of the police intervention, 15 individuals were detained on fireworks-related charges, a firearm was seized with its carrier arrested for lacking a license, and one other arrest was made for simple assault and public consumption of marijuana.
In addition to the arrests made, officers confiscated a cache of unauthorized pyrotechnics, which included 151 Roman candles, 39 mini firecrackers, and a variety of other illegal fireworks, as outlined in the press release. Two juveniles were also stopped for curfew violations but were later released to their guardians. MPD has reiterated the illegality of fireworks that launch and explode within the District of Columbia.
The weekend following the incident will see an augmented police presence in the Navy Yard community to preempt any potential repeat of the offending behavior. The public is reminded by the MPD of the strict prohibition against the use of such fireworks, a measure aimed at ensuring safety and compliance with district ordinances.
