A family-friendly movie night under the stars at Alethia Tanner Park turned abruptly frightening on Wednesday when people began setting off fireworks and aiming Roman candles into the crowd during a screening of Jurassic Park. Families, children and dogs scrambled off the lawn, and organizers cut the screening short after witnesses said at least one person’s blanket caught fire and that the person suffered a burn to their foot.
Fireworks Fired Into Crowd During CiNoMatic Screening
A DC Police report states the disturbance began around 10 p.m. Wednesday at Alethia Tanner Park in the Eckington neighborhood during NoMa BID’s weekly CiNoMatic series, which was showing Jurassic Park that night, according to WJLA. The report says people fired Roman candles into the audience, and organizers quickly collected belongings and canceled the event so they could move attendees to safety.
Witnesses Describe A Fright
Attendees recalled a sudden rush for the exits once the projectiles began landing among blankets and lawn chairs. One witness told WJLA the scene "turned into a really scary frenzy," while another said their priority was getting kids out of the area as a bystander grabbed a firework and threw it away.
Officials And Organizers Respond
ANC Commissioner Joe Bishop-Henchman posted that six suspects, who may have been teenagers, were involved and that NoMa BID staff helped gather lost items before canceling the screening, according to WJLA. MPD said it is investigating the incident, and a commander told the station the department would bolster patrols in and around Alethia Tanner Park and the nearby Metropolitan Branch Trail during scheduled events. Councilmember Zachary Parker said he contacted the city’s 911 office about dispatch reports and plans to attend next week’s screening to connect with neighbors.
About The Series And What’s Next
The screenings are organized by the NoMa Business Improvement District. The CiNoMatic event page lists Jurassic Park for June 24 and The Goonies for July 1. NoMa BID runs the free weekly series at Alethia Tanner Park and posts event details and the season lineup on its website.
