A Fourth of July block party in the Chicora-Cherokee community of North Charleston, South Carolina, descended into gunfire and an assault on police officers, and has now led to charges against six people, including four juveniles. According to the North Charleston Police Department, officers recovered multiple firearms and what appeared to be a makeshift spear at the scene. The case matters because it involved a violent confrontation with police, was captured in a viral video, and raises concerns about safety at permitted community events.

Officers had responded to the city-permitted party at around 8:30pm on 4 July, after reports of fireworks being fired and fights breaking out. The four juveniles, who were not identified, face charges ranging from third-degree assault by mob and assault on a police officer while resisting arrest to possession of a machine gun and breach of peace. Two adults were named: Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell, 19, charged with possession of a machine gun, and Sa'Mya Adriana Collette Weaver, 18, charged with breach of peace and assault on a police officer while resisting arrest. Police had met organisers earlier that day over traffic plans, and say the investigation remains active with further arrests possible.