Long Beach Restricts Access After Student Gathering Threat

Long Beach, New York, closed its beaches and boardwalk on Friday in response to reports of planned mass gatherings by students for unofficial 'senior cut day' celebrations. The move follows a similar event last year that ended in a shooting and several arrests. City officials, in coordination with local, county, state, and MTA police, physically blocked beach entrances and turned away arriving groups to ensure public safety. The beach is set to reopen Saturday but will only be accessible on weekends and holidays until June 20. Officials exercised their authority to close the beach without a formal emergency declaration and referenced similar recent actions at other area beaches after violent youth gatherings. Despite resident disappointment, city leaders emphasized the priority of preventing future violence and maintaining order.