Police under federal investigation for response to beach chaos

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Federal investigators are looking into the Nassau County Police Department’s actions after they employed a helicopter to disperse a crowd of roughly 500 teenagers gathered at Jones Beach for “Senior Cut Day.”

A flyer circulating on social media advocating “Senior Cut Day” led approximately 500 teens to congregate at Jones Beach in Wantagh, New York, on Thursday. According to witnesses, the scene became unmanageable soon after the teenagers arrived, as reported by News 12.

A Nassau County Police Department helicopter was seen hovering over the large group of teens, lifting sand into the air as a result.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed to Fox News Digital that they are conducting an inquiry into the Nassau County Police Department’s deployment of a helicopter in this incident.

Jones Beach teenagers

Police attempted to disperse the crowd. (@antwon2fine/TikTok)

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told Fox News Digital that the police’s actions saved others from getting hurt.

“We are confident that the actions taken by the NCPD aviation helicopter were instrumental in dispersing a large crowd of individuals who were engaged in fighting and other disruptive behaviors, thereby saving our kids from getting hurt.”

Police and other officials restricted access to areas of the beach to stop any continued violence on Thursday. No injuries were reported.

Teens on a beach

The Nassau County Police Department made one arrest. (@antwon2fine/TikTok)

Officials allegedly saw multiple fights between the large group of teens.

“The beach was never like this,” said one person who saw the mass gathering of teenagers. “We came here as kids — it was so calm. But now it’s just crazy.”

You May Also Like
Palisades Fire suspect allegedly driven by 'societal revenge,' behavioral analyst testifies in court

Behavioral Analyst Says Palisades Fire Suspect Was Motivated by ‘Societal Revenge,’ Court Hears

Palisades arson trial begins Testimony in the federal arson trial of Jonathan…
More than a million Knicks fans line the streets to celebrate team's first title in 53 years: Photos

NYC Erupts as Over 1 Million Knicks Fans Celebrate First NBA Title in 53 Years: Photos

Fans packed Manhattan’s famed “Canyon of Heroes” on Thursday, June 18, 2026,…
President Donald Trump delays nomination hearing for own director of intelligence, or DNI, nominee Jay Clayton amid FISA lapse

Trump Delays Jay Clayton DNI Hearing as FISA Lapse Sparks Intelligence Oversight Questions

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his own nominee’s confirmation…
Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann kept 'Dexter'-style kill room but wasn't as smart as he thought: DA

DA: Rex Heuermann’s Alleged Gilgo Beach ‘Dexter’-Style Kill Room Reveals Major Investigative Mistakes

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Rex Heuermann, who will spend the rest of his…
Israel launches 'Biblical Highway' amid campaign to erase Jewish history

Israel’s “Biblical Highway”: New Route Counters Efforts to Erase Jewish History

Israel to inaugurate a new ‘Biblical Highway’ Israel’s government on Tuesday approved…
Smiling suspect stands out as authorities release mugshots of 5 accused in alleged White House UFC attack plot

Authorities release mugshots of five suspects in alleged White House UFC attack plot, with one image drawing attention

New details emerge on alleged UFC terror plot targeting White House Authorities…
Colombian military neutralizes five terrorists accused in bus bombing that killed 20, injured 45 civilians

Colombian Military Kills Five Suspects Linked to Bus Bombing That Left 20 Dead and 45 Injured

Colombian military forces said Wednesday they had neutralized five alleged members of…
Jonathan Wilson charged in Uptown, Chicago police shooting on Argyle after condo board president shot, killed: CPD

Jonathan Wilson charged after fatal shooting of condo board president in Uptown, Chicago police say

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 38-year-old Chicago man is facing multiple felony charges,…
Jeanine Pirro calls out 'dirtbags' after 14 charged in alleged cocaine ring operating feet from a schoolyard

Jeanine Pirro Slams Alleged Cocaine Ring Near Schoolyard as 14 Are Charged

Jeanine Pirro reveals DC police officers manipulated crime stats to make city…
Evanston's Juneteenth parade to honor legacy of Opal Lee with granddaughter, Dione Sims, as grand marshal

Evanston’s Juneteenth Parade to Honor Opal Lee’s Legacy, with Granddaughter Dione Sims Named Grand Marshal

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — Evanston’s yearly Juneteenth parade is set to start…
Air Force identifies 8 crew members killed in B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base

Air Force Identifies Eight Service Members Killed in B-52 Stratofortress Crash at Edwards Air Force Base

Officials on Wednesday released the names of the eight people killed in…
Lansing news: Former employee Devon Johnson charged in deadly shooting of Andrew Coleman at Nippon Paint Automotive Americas

Lansing: Former Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Employee Devon Johnson Charged in Fatal Shooting of Andrew Coleman

LANSING, Ill. (WLS) — A former employee has been charged with murder…