Shocking video shows fireworks aimed directly at children during Jurassic Park screening; blankets catch fire as crowd scrambles for safety.
A peaceful family movie night in Northeast Washington, D.C., turned into absolute chaos Wednesday when a group of six teens fired lit fireworks and Roman candles directly into a crowd of parents, kids and families.
The incident erupted around 10 p.m. at Alethia Tanner Park in the Eckington neighborhood during the free CiNoMatic outdoor movie series put on by the NoMa Business Improvement District. Hundreds had gathered on blankets and lawn chairs to watch Jurassic Park under the stars.
Surveillance video and bystander footage captured the terrifying moments: Bright streaks of light suddenly streaked through the night sky and exploded right over the crowd. People jumped up in panic, grabbing children and scrambling to get away as fireworks rained down. One blanket reportedly caught fire, burning a moviegoer’s foot. Screams filled the air as families ran for their lives.
Witnesses said the teens deliberately aimed the dangerous projectiles at the crowd, not harmlessly into the air.
One hero didn’t hesitate. A quick-thinking man (described in accounts as Josh) rushed in, grabbed a lit firework before it could explode near kids, and hurled it away from the terrified families toward a retaining wall.
“I just didn’t want anyone to get hurt,” the good Samaritan later said. “You act. You stand up and protect others.”The event was immediately canceled as organizers and attendees tried to regain control amid the panic.
And here’s the part that has residents fuming: Despite the brazen attack on families with small children, not a single arrest has been made. Police have not released any descriptions of the teen suspects.DC police confirmed they are investigating the incident. An advisory neighborhood commissioner detailed the chaos in a letter to police and local officials, noting the blanket fire and the frantic rush to safety. Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker called it a “horrific incident” and said creating panic and injury is “unacceptable.”
Extra patrols have since been ordered around the park, especially ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
