Pride Fireworks Attack Near L.A. Remains Unsolved

Police in southern California are asking for the public’s help in bringing to justice a person captured on video throwing fireworks into a crowd of revelers celebrating Pride earlier this month. Video of the incident was posted to social media by the Hermosa Beach Police Department.

The incident took place during a silent disco ball in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, June 17. The male suspect can be seen lighting a string of firecrackers, tossing the lit pyrotechnics into the unsuspecting crowd of revelers, then escaping on a gasoline-powered beach cruiser bicycle. Multiple people were injured in the attack, and the incident was quickly reported to police.

“Officers spoke with the 911 caller who reported that a subject threw a lit firework into a crowd of people at Vista, who were participating in a silent disco event,” HBPD posted to social media. “The 911 caller told officers the firework exploded in the middle of the crowd and fragments of the firework hit multiple people.”

Police describe the subject as a male between the ages of 18 to 25 years old and wearing “dark pants, and a red, white, and blue helmet.” A better description of the suspect’s “black sweatshirt with yellow lining” would be that he was wearing what is known as a beach or Baja hoodie with a black background and yellow stripes. The Baja hoodie is popular with surfers and the local beach communities.

Police describe the getaway bike as “beach cruiser with an attached gas-powered motor, a fuel tank attached under the handlebars, and an American Flag to the rear of the bicycle.”

The community was quick to comment on the post, with many expressing anger or outrage at the attack on the LGBTQ+ community.

“OMG, that’s terrible!” wrote one user. “Why would anyone do that???”

“I hope you find these punks and they are held accountable for their actions!” wrote another. “So frigging destructive and disgusting!”

Other users thanked the police for posting the video and their investigative efforts on the case.

Police provided no possible motives for the crime but have asked for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information about the suspect or case is encouraged to contact detectives at the Hermosa Beach Police Department at 310-318-0360.