National Guard and DC Police Clash with Large Crowd at Navy Yard Park, Multiple Arrests Reported
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A large-scale law enforcement response unfolded late Thursday night as DC’s Metropolitan Police Department and the National Guard moved to disperse a chaotic crowd at Navy Yard Park, resulting in multiple arrests and widespread confusion across the area.
Videos circulating on social media show uniformed National Guard members advancing across the park alongside police officers as hundreds of people fled in panic. Sirens and flashing lights filled the area as authorities worked to regain control of the scene.
Authorities Confirm Arrests After Disorderly Gathering
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that several individuals were taken into custody for “engaging in disorderly behavior.” The department did not specify how many people were arrested or what triggered the confrontation, but witnesses described an atmosphere of “sheer chaos” as officers moved in.
“It felt like everything exploded at once — people were yelling, running in every direction, and then the Guard started moving in,” said one eyewitness who recorded part of the incident.
Footage Shows Widespread Panic
Clips originally posted by @Robbb1947 on X (formerly Twitter) and verified by CNN show what appeared to be dozens of National Guard troops on the ground as officers surrounded the park perimeter near N Street SE and Half Street SE. The location, a busy nightlife and residential district near Nationals Park, was quickly filled with flashing emergency lights.
Police vehicles were seen blocking nearby intersections as crowds scattered through nearby streets. Witnesses said several people fell while running, though no injuries have been confirmed by authorities.
National Guard’s Involvement Under Review
Officials have not yet detailed whether the National Guard was formally deployed under local or federal authority. CNN reported that both the DC Police Department and the National Guard have been contacted for clarification. The scale of the response has raised questions about the cause and escalation of the incident.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Residents in the Navy Yard neighborhood described the late-night disturbance as “alarming” and said the police presence was among the largest they had seen in months. Social media users debated whether the gathering was linked to an organized event or a spontaneous crowd that got out of control.
Authorities are reviewing video footage and eyewitness reports to determine the sequence of events leading to the confrontation. Officials said additional information will be released once the investigation concludes.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates and follow ongoing coverage at NapervilleLocal.com.
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