D.C. Police Arrest 18 for Illegal Fireworks in Navy Yard on Fourth

On the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C.'s Navy Yard neighborhood, authorities faced a surge in illegal fireworks use primarily by juveniles, resulting in 18 arrests, 16 of whom were underage, and the confiscation of 218 fireworks including Roman candles and firecrackers. Residents reported fireworks being aimed dangerously at people, cars, and buildings, causing alarm and prompting increased police presence and enforcement efforts under recently expanded youth curfew laws. While most fireworks are banned in D.C., videos and eyewitness accounts showed teens firing fireworks from bikes and in busy intersections, with neighbors expressing concern for safety, especially for vulnerable individuals like pregnant women. Police responded to numerous disorderly behavior calls and took additional measures to curb illegal activity, but some reports indicated inconsistent enforcement, with no arrests initially made in some instances despite visible illegal fireworks use. The incident also included other charges such as unlicensed pistol possession and simple assault, highlighting broader public safety challenges in the area during the holiday. The D.C. government and community voices called for stronger parental responsibility alongside city enforcement to address the recurring issue of juvenile fireworks misuse and related disturbances.