Harrisburg police end fireworks show early, arrest 2 people with guns

Harrisburg's Fourth of July fireworks display was cut short on Thursday night after police in the area arrested a juvenile and an adult who they said had guns, according to Harrisburg spokesperson Matt Maisel.

Throughout the fireworks show, officers were concerned about multiple individuals they suspected of having weapons, according to a release from the city.

The first person arrested, a juvenile male, ran away when police approached him. Once apprehended, police said he had an illegally modified Glock pistol, capable of shooting fully automatic, with a 24-round magazine, Maisel said.

The second person arrested, an adult male, ran alongside the juvenile and was seen throwing a gun into the Susquehanna River while crossing the Walnut Street Bridge. It is unclear if police recovered the gun from the river Thursday night.

Police said a third person, also a juvenile, had a BB gun and was arrested after fleeing from officers but was later released, Maisel said.

While this incident was unfolding, several individuals were setting off firecrackers and running, according to Maisel. During the commotion, someone ran past Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams, knocking her to the ground.

Williams sustained minor injuries and is recovering at her home, Maisel said. By the time Mayor Williams was knocked down, Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter elected to end the fireworks show early.

Mayor Williams released a statement after the fireworks show, which included the following:

"Aside from being furious at what happened, I am deeply indebted to the heroic actions of our Harrisburg Bureau of Police officers. When they spotted potential danger, they ran towards it, and in the process, prevented what could have been a disaster. The City of Harrisburg owes our men and women in uniform our highest gratitude. Because of them, there were no shots fired tonight and no major injuries. While it's disappointing a few bad actors ruined an incredible and free event we put on for the city, we are most glad they kept everyone safe."

No shots were fired during the incident, Maisel and county dispatchers confirmed.

The city announced the firework display would be ending early around 9:30 p.m. due to "safety concerns," according to a post on the city's Facebook page .

A situation during Harrisburg's firework display in 2022 caused a panicked stampede after someone yelled "Gun!" right before firecrackers were set off in the area . Many families became separated during the incident. Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter in 2022 said "The crowd just panicked and everybody started running in every direction."