Harrisburg fireworks interrupted: Two arrested with guns, Mayor Wanda Williams injured

UPDATE: Harrisburg spokesman Matt Maisel confirmed that the July 4 fireworks display ended early after two people, including a juvenile, were arrested for firearms. No shots were fired.

According to a city news release, throughout the fireworks display, police officers kept a close eye on several individuals suspected of possessing weapons. Law enforcement arrested a juvenile and an adult male in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, amid the confusion, some individuals lit firecrackers and fled. In the chaos, Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams was accidentally knocked to the ground, sustaining minor injuries. She is currently recovering at home.

Mayor Williams released the following statement after the fireworks:

“In addition to being furious about what happened, I am deeply indebted to the heroic actions of our Harrisburg Police Department officers. When they spotted potential danger, they rushed to it and prevented what could have been a disaster. The City of Harrisburg owes its deepest gratitude to our men and women in uniform. Because of them, there were no shots fired tonight and there were no serious injuries. While it is disappointing that a few bad actors ruined an incredible, free event we put on for the city, we are very pleased that they kept everyone safe.”

ORIGINAL STORY:

Witnesses report that the July 4th fireworks display in Harrisburg ended prematurely amid fights and a filming near the Pennsylvania State Capitol building. Reports suggest one person was arrested, although This information remains unconfirmed pending a statement from the authorities.

“Harrisburg made an emergency announcement that the fireworks ended early, and there are reports of fights and a shooting with juveniles being held near the Capitol,” one person posted on Facebook.

Another witness wrote: “Due to an alleged shooting at the Capitol, they stopped the fireworks in downtown.”

A third person said: “Everyone in Harrisburg watching the fireworks PLEASE go home safely. There was a shooting as I heard from my friend, he was there.”

Videos from the scene showed chaotic scenes, with panicked people scattering. According to a local reporter, “a shootout led to the city's fireworks display being abruptly halted.”