Minneapolis public safety plan for July 4 includes additional police presence, road closures
Minneapolis leaders say there will be increased law enforcement presence and road closures during Fourth of July to help keep the city safe for the holiday.
Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner Toddrick Barnette, with Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara and other public safety officials shared community safety plans during a press conference Wednesday morning.
For the past several years Minneapolis has seen instances of fireworks-related chaos on the holiday. Last year, 20 people were charged with rioting after they allegedly shot fireworks at people, cars and police in Dinkytown. In 2023, several dozen people set off fireworks near Bde Maka Ska, hitting buildings and cars.
Citing these incidents, O'Hara said he has increased staffing over the weekend. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said the office's criminal intelligence division has been monitoring social media to plan ahead for any anticipated large-scale activity.
"If you have intention of coming to this town to cause chaos, don't. You will be arrested and we will seek charges against you," O'Hara said.
"It's already been a busy summer. We want this weekend to be about celebration. Not devastation," said Witt.
Parts of Bde Maka Ska Parkway will be closed on Fourth of July in an effort to stop large volumes of vehicles gathering during the holiday, Minneapolis Park Police Jason Ohotto said. It's the second year the parkway will be closed following the fireworks barrage of 2023, as O'Hara said the strategy proved to be successful last year. The Stone Arch Bridge and West River Parkway are also among several other areas that will be partially closed on the holiday.
When fireworks go off in the evening, authorities also encouraged people to be intentional when calling 911, using it to report only life-threatening or time-sensitive emergency situations. Residents can call 311 for noise complaints.
As Minneapolis will play host to several community events — including the Red, White and Boom celebration and Taste of Minnesota — officials also encouraged people to stay hydrated and keep an eye on the weather forecast.
