They’re reveling in the chaos.
Amateur pyrotechnics enthusiasts recently orchestrated an eye-catching yet unauthorized fireworks display from Los Angeles’ renowned and troubled Sixth Street Bridge, sparking criticism from one of Mayor Karen Bass’ potential opponents.
An Instagram post from February 13 went viral, claiming the fireworks display on the bridge connecting Downtown LA to Boyle Heights was “safely coordinated.” However, the video reveals fireworks showering sparks onto the crowd below, while a scooter navigates through the fiery scene.
Asaad Alnajjar, a veteran public official and mayoral candidate, condemned the reckless display.
“The bridge isn’t an approved location for such events, and labeling it ‘safely coordinated’ neither makes it safe nor lawful,” he stated. “Such antics endanger both onlookers and emergency responders—no exceptions. It’s unacceptable to permit this disorder in Los Angeles.”
The dazzling display also fueled a wave of online sarcasm, particularly given that the newly reconstructed bridge, known as the “Ribbon of Light,” had been left in darkness after copper thieves stripped away the wiring that once illuminated it.
“The only way that Bridge will have lights again,” one Instagram user drily posted.
Alnajjar likewise lamented the wily wire thieves, and put Bass and city lawmakers on blast.
“Because of the ongoing wire theft, the 6th Street Bridge is already dark and still hasn’t been properly repaired — largely due to inaction and budget cuts of repair funding from Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass and 15 Councilmembers,” he said.
The picturesque viaduct bridge has a storied history, with its first incarnation being prominently in classic films such as “Terminator 2,” “The Naked Gun” and “To Live and Die in L.A.”
Structural issues led to its demolition in 2016, but it was resurrected six years later with a flashy LED light design.
The revival wasn’t a smooth one, however.
Copper thieves and graffiti artists quickly ransacked the new bridge, which also became a popular spot for illegal fireworks shows, CBS LA reported in 2023.
