“Immediate action” taken to prevent another mass gathering in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, NY — Authorities have taken action to break up an unauthorized gathering planned for Wednesday on Long Beach.

This happened a week after a shooting occurred as large crowds left the beach.

“Our message is clear. If you come to our city to cause chaos on our beaches, we will not tolerate it and will deny you access. We will also hold you civilly and criminally accountable,” Council President Brendan Finn wrote on Facebook.

Finn said after the news spread on social media and encouraged people to go to the beach, the city “took immediate action.”

“Our police station was fully staffed and actively patrolling the promenade,” he said.

Long Beach worked closely with the New York State Police, Nassau County Police and MTA Police, as each of these agencies had a massive presence throughout the city.

The city also obtained a temporary restraining order from a judge against the organizers of Wednesday’s beach event.

Last week, a 16-year-old boy was shot in the stomach as the crowd on the beach approached the LIRR station. Two people were arrested, including a 15-year-old boy, police said.

This incident prompted the city council to introduce changes to gatherings, including requiring a pass to access the beach seven days a week.

“We will continue to monitor the situation, but we want you to know that we will do everything possible to protect our residents and our city,” Finn said.