MINNEAPOLIS — Keeping people safe this Independence Day in Minnesota's largest city will be a group project, with several law enforcement agencies set to team up with the Minneapolis Police on that critical mission.
Thursday night will bring the return of the the Red, White and Boom celebration at Boom Island Park featuring a real fireworks display for the first time since before the pandemic. That event may, in an of itself, contribute to a safer holiday and fewer arrests, according to the MPD Chief Brian O'Hara.
"There’s very obvious risks to using fireworks, which are explosives and you’re not trained in it, particularly when they’re not legal in this state," Chief O'Hara told reporters Wednesday.
"But we’re hopeful that by the Parks Board bringing this back, that will give kids, families, something to actually do to enjoy fireworks safely. And we believe that, in and of itself, should help us decrease some of the egregious behavior we’ve seen over the last two years."
The past two mid-summer holidays were marked by teens flagrantly abusing fireworks, firing them out of moving vehicles and lobbing them at first responders. Those tempted to engage in that type of activity will face a swift response, according to the chief.
"If we have some things happen again, groups of people threatening property, we will be looking to make arrests. We will be arresting everyone who is there contributing to the problem. We will seize their fireworks."
Weather permitting, thousands will converge on the park on the city's northeast side. Parks Police Chief Jason Ohotto said his agency is relying on the help of the public and Parks Board workers to help maintain order.
They'll also be making strategic road closures on both side of the river and at Lake Bde Maka Ska to cut down on performance driving and cruising. The closures will apply to vehicles only, so people on foot or on bicycles can still enjoy those parts of the city's park system.
"People can still walk on the Parkway, bicycle on the Parkway, but we're hoping to provide a safer atmosphere for people who are coming into the park space, and also disrupting the circular flow of people cruising all day around the lake," Ohotto said.
"This is our busiest day of the year in the park system, and outside of the fireworks event there are about 184 other parks we’re responsible for ensuring safety and policing throughout the day."
The Minnesota State Patrol and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office will also play key roles in keeping visitors and residents safe. Sheriff Dawanna Witt said that will be happening on both land and water.
"This holiday we should be spending this time letting people enjoy their families and enjoy the reason why we are celebrating this day. We will not allow people to take that away from our citizens who are just trying to enjoy everything that our communities have to offer."
Parks Superintendent Al Bangoura said the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is delighted to host a traditional gathering on Boom Island. Parks employees will be wearing yellow tee-shirts to offer assistance to those attending celebrations in the parks.
"Across the country you've seen people tried drones, laser light shows. What we heard very loud and clear was that the fireworks have a very unique experience for people, and we're very excited to have them back here again," Bangoura said.
The LIUNA Local 363 union, which represents park maintenance workers and arborists, is scheduled to go on strike beginning July 4. Bangoura said if that does happen, other crew member will do their best to keep the parks clean.
Chief O'Hara had strong words for those who are tempted to use the holiday as an excuse to make a new viral video placing Minneapolis in a bad light.
"A lot of these teens are from out of town. These are out-of-towners, not people from Minneapolis, coming here and disrupting our residents' lives," Ohara told reporters.
"And we're not going to deal with that. If Mom and Dad don't know where their kid is we will find out after they tow their Mercedes Benz and they have to pick it up at Minneapolis Police impound."