Increased security in uptown during fireworks show after fights a year ago

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Hundreds of law enforcement officers had their eyes peeled in uptown Thursday night to ensure nothing would stop people from having a great time at the fireworks show, especially after teens stopped last year’s event by setting off illegal fireworks and fights.

The Fourth of July always brings out enormous crowds, especially to Truist Field. Thousands watched the Charlotte Knights baseball game and sat in Romare Bearden Park to await the “Skyshow” fireworks.

“Just kind of come out and have fun and enjoy everything and just kind of brings everybody together at a time where people are so divided. It’s just something that brings us all together,” says Peter Foote.

“Honestly, it’s just an excuse for a fun night!” said Cameron, who was there with her friend Tenijah.

For Anshuk, Krishna, Abhinaya, Loukya and Sanjeve, a longtime group of friends, the uptown fireworks have been a tradition for the last five years.

“Just because it’s our country and it’s given us everything we have, it’s given us shelter, money, everything. We have food,” Anshuk said.

“I think it’s good to acknowledge your own country for all the contributions they do to make their lives, like, better each and every day,” Krishna said.

One thing they’re not worried about though — their safety. Last year, police say teens set off illegal fireworks, started fights, and ran through the crowd with masks on to create panic. The chaotic scene caused people to hide in parking garages while the sky was lighting up in red, white and blue.

This year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers and Mecklenburg Sheriff’s Office deputies were out in mass.

“I will say perception is reality because if they don’t feel safe, that means they are not going to take advantage of some of the great events that we do have,” said CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings.

CMPD, Center City Partners, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, and the District Attorney’s office have joined together to curb the crime in uptown and improve visitors’ perception of the city.

And it helped: A fight broke out near the 7-Eleven and Bell Uptown Charlotte apartments, and bike patrol officers were there to break it up and separate the culprits.

“There’s a lot of security. I see police on every corner, everywhere,” said Emmett Davis, visiting from Birmingham, Alabama. “And it is at least five to six per corner. So I feel protected and honestly, I didn’t know anything about the past. Neither do I care because I feel protected.”

The Gun Violence Archive says Independence Day has had 58 mass shootings over the last 10 years — closely followed by July 5. CMPD hopes to not have last year’s incident happen again.

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