Dozens arrested after fireworks shot at public, police and buildings in Dinkytown

Minneapolis police arrested around 30 people over an outbreak of incidents in Dinkytown that saw fireworks thrown at people, buildings and police officers on Fourth of July.

Police Chief Brian O'Hara held a press conference Friday afternoon detailing the multiple arrests made in the city after investigators became aware during the week of a series of "pop-up events" being promoted ahead of the Fourth of July.

According to O'Hara, the events involved groups planning to shoot fireworks at the public, property, and MPD officers, with most of these gatherings happening on the east side of the river in Dinkytown.

Of the 30 arrested, 28 of them were from outside Minneapolis – five of them from out of state – while eight were juveniles.

Additionally, five citations were issued and dozens of illegal fireworks were recovered. The number of arrests may increase.

"They encourage people to come to Minneapolis and commit these egregious, dangerous, and just frankly, stupid acts," says Chief O'Hara. "I don't think I have to tell you, but throwing fireworks and people throwing fireworks at cars with people in them is extremely dangerous."

O'Hara confirmed that no one was seriously injured, with over 200 additional officers and 50 state troopers on duty in Minneapolis for the holiday.

Police Chief O'Hara was in the area when a mortar was shot in the direction of police, barely missing them.

"When it exploded, it shook my body." Chief O'Hara said. "It was louder than when a shotgun goes off very close to you. That's the power of these things."

Video footage of the events may be released later Friday, depending on what can be shown to the public so as not to impede the investigation.