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CBS News
05-04-2025
- CBS News
New Jersey community celebration postponed after police notified about threats of violent activity
A summertime community celebration in South Jersey was postponed after law enforcement officers discovered threats of violent activity were being shared on social media. The Gloucester Township Day Scholarship Committee broke the news to the community on Thursday, saying that the 2025 Gloucester Township Day, which was scheduled for June 7, has been rescheduled until further notice. The committee said the decision to postpone the celebration was made after Gloucester Township police were notified about social media posts containing "credible threats of unlawful and violent activity." "Gloucester Township Day is a beloved tradition that brings our community together in celebration. However, we must take all potential threats seriously," Mayor of Gloucester Township, David Mayer, said. "Out of an abundance of caution and with the safety of all in mind, we are postponing this year's event until a later date." Last year's Gloucester Township Day took a turn when 10 teenagers and two adults were arrested after multiple fights broke out . Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said the problems at the 2024 event began when at least 500 teenagers and young adults arrived at Veterans Park ahead of the event's drone show. Police said large groups began fighting each other and running through the crowd at the summertime celebration. To protect families at the park, officers moved the large group of teenagers and young adults to The Marketplace, a shopping center across from the park on Chews Landing Road, where multiple fights continued to break out. "Right in front of the officers, they didn't care. They start fighting, violently fighting," Harkins said last year. "Our officers interjected themselves heroically to keep them from getting hurt." In total, 10 teenagers, one 13-year-old, four 15-year-olds, three 16-year-olds and two 17-year-olds, were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct before being released to their guardians, police said. Along with the teens, two adults were arrested during the chaos, including an 18-year-old and a 33-year-old man from Camden, who police said rode his bike into a crowd of officers and knocked one GTPD officer to the ground. In total, 68 GTPD officers were assigned or responded to the chaos at the 2024 Gloucester Township Day, along with at least 30 mutual aid officers from Camden County and Deptford Township. Police also said that a countywide EMS Task Force was called to bring more EMS resources to the scene, and the Gloucester Township Police Special Response Team also responded. Police previously said they believe most of the people involved in the fights were not from Gloucester Township and had been dropped off at the event.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
Annual Gloucester Township Day postponed amid threats of violence
The Brief An annual decades-old tradition is postponed this year until further notice. Officials announced threats revealed on social media. Last year's event was ruined due to violence by teens and young adults. GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. - A beloved tradition in Camden County may be off this spring. Gloucester Township Day, usually filled with fun and games for the whole family, has been postponed until further notice. What we know A notice is posted on the Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee website announcing a joint decision with the Township of Gloucester. It states that annual Gloucester Township Day event scheduled for June 7th this year is postponed until further notice. The decision was made in the interest of public safety. It follows incidents last year where cellphone video captured some of the chaos and violence. Police said hundreds of teens and young adults were fighting and surrounding officers. A few officers were hurt and more than a dozen arrests made. The cancellation notice states, quote: "This decision was made following a thorough assessment of social media posts containing credible threats of unlawful and violent activity, as brought to the attention of the Gloucester Township Police Department." A statement from Mayor David Mayer reads in part, "We must take all potential threats seriously." What they're saying "It's sad but smart on their part. I get it. I hate to see things like that canceled. It's good for most of the community, but unfortunately safety comes first," said Patrick Geer, who was at Veteran's Park Friday evening with his daughter and granddaughters Brooklyn and Lilianna. This is where the event has been held for decades. Geer recalls other South Jersey towns having similar issues. "Ocean City. Wildwood. We go down there a lot in the summer and now you gotta be a little concerned," he said. Jennifer Bohannon has lived in the township more than 30 years. "It's sad that we have to live in a world where you can't even go about your yearly traditions because of threats of violence and things of that nature," she said. She usually goes with family and likes that the event is a big fundraiser. "Gloucester Township Day is a great way to give back to the community. They generate a lot of revenue for scholarships for surrounding schools," said Bohannon. What's next Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins tells FOX 29's Shawnette Wilson that the mayor will hold a press conference on Tuesday with more details on the decision. For ongoing updates, check Gloucester Township's website, here. The Source Information for this story was provided by Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins, and residents.
