Man tosses lit firework into Pride event crowd, injuring several, California cops say
A man was caught on surveillance video lighting a firework, tossing it into a crowd of people at a sunset Pride event and riding off on a bicycle in California.
Now police are trying to find the man in the video of the potential hate crime that injured several people in the crowd just before 10 p.m. on June 17, Hermosa Beach Police said on social media.
In the video, the man wears a red, white and blue helmet and a baggy black hoodie with yellow lining on it. He faces away from the crowd as he pulls the firework and a lighter from either side of his hoodie pocket and lights the fuse.
Sparks fly from his hand as he spins and chucks it into the crowd around the corner, the video shows. The crowd of people were having a silent disco on the pier at Vista, a coastal bar and lounge in Hermosa Beach.
He quickly gets on a yellow beach cruiser bicycle equipped with a gas-powered motor, a fuel-tank under the handlebars, and an American flag wrapped around the back and bikes off, followed by two people riding a motorbike.
The 911 caller told police the firework exploded in the middle of the crowd and firework fragments hit and injured multiple people.
“I’m glad to see this is being taken seriously,” someone said on Facebook. “These hate crimes need to be taken very seriously.”
Someone shared their disappointment on Instagram.
“I bring my 2 year old down here all the time to listen to the music and seeing this happen [infuriated] me,” they said. “It hit people and thankfully no one was injured more seriously.”
Hermosa Beach Mayor Ray Jackson called the incident “disheartening” in a statement sent to McClatchy News.
“Hermosa Beach is a welcoming community that embraces diversity and values inclusivity,” the statement said. “Pride Month reminds us all of the tremendous progress that has been made in recognizing and celebrating our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, while also highlighting the challenges and work that remain in the battle against intolerance.”
Jackson condemned “all acts of violence, discrimination, and hate” and said the suspect will be held accountable once they’re identified.
Police believe the man is between 18-25 years old. Detectives ask anyone with information to contact the Hermosa Beach Police Department at 310-318-0360.
This story was originally published June 29, 2023 at 7:35 PM with the headline "Man tosses lit firework into Pride event crowd, injuring several, California cops say."
