GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Officials have canceled the popular Gloucester Township Day festival scheduled for June 7 following social media threats of violence.
Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said he recommended postponing the event to Mayor David Mayer after a viral post on social media suggested plans of violence. The decision was also made in light of a large brawl during the 2024 festival when hundreds of teens arrived and began fighting, resulting in several injuries.
“We cannot provide a venue to allow this type of behavior to repeat itself this year,” he said.
Harkins said adding additional security measures isn’t an option because it risks escalating the situation.
“It's our responsibility to protect the wellbeing of all of our community members, especially those who are just coming to have a good time,” he said.
Mayer said it was disturbing that so many people were looking forward to arriving with chaos as their top priority.
“This is not unique to Gloucester Township — but rather, it’s symptomatic of a larger societal juvenile crisis,” said Mayer.
A package of bills that recently passed unanimously in Trenton would create new penalties for inciting public brawls, but the legislation is still awaiting the governor’s signature.
Township officials said they may reconsider holding the event if the bills are signed into law.