BREAKING: Chaos erupted in Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard neighborhood on Halloween night as the National Guard confronted a massive group of juveniles engaging in fights and disrupting traffic. Footage shows young people fleeing from National Guard members in a park while police responded to the escalating situation.
Just after 7:30 p.m. on October 31, 2025, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported that several groups of juveniles had gathered, initially in a peaceful manner. However, by 8 p.m., the crowd swelled to several hundred, and disturbances began.
According to MPD, the juveniles repeatedly ignored orders to stay on sidewalks, leading to fights that prompted police intervention. Five individuals were arrested, including four juveniles facing charges for possession of a prohibited weapon, public consumption of marijuana, and resisting arrest. One sergeant suffered minor injuries during the response.
“The behavior displayed last night in Navy Yard is unacceptable, and MPD and our law enforcement partners will have an increased presence tonight to ensure this does not happen again,” said Chief of Police Pamela Smith.
As the situation intensified, more police units, including Metro Transit Police and the National Guard, were deployed to restore order. Streets were closed, and by 11:00 p.m., the park area was cleared and the crowd directed towards the Navy Yard Metro Station.
The rapid response comes as the Trump administration has extended the National Guard’s deployment in D.C. until at least February 2026, part of an ongoing effort to combat crime in the capital. The administration is also expanding its D.C. Crime Task Force with new hiring initiatives for law enforcement and civilians.
Officials emphasized that maintaining public safety is a priority, especially during large gatherings. The situation in Navy Yard serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing crowd behavior, particularly during high-energy events like Halloween.
As the night progressed, MPD and its partners maintained a significant presence to deter further disturbances. Authorities are urging community members to report any unlawful activity as they prepare for future gatherings.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety in Washington, D.C.
