Harrisburg mayor injured in July 4 incident considers canceling annual fireworks display

The 12-minute shortened fireworks display that went down over the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg on Thursday could be the last Fourth of July fireworks display in the city.

Mayor Wanda Williams, who suffered a leg injury when an armed 18-year-old fled from police, and Police Commissioner Tom Carter said at a news conference Friday that no decision had been made about next year’s fireworks display.

Carter said that decision would have to wait until his department conducted further research into how to improve security at the event at RiverFront Park, which draws thousands of people – including some armed youths and older teens on Thursday.

“There are safety measures we will take next year if the mayor decides to have fireworks,” Carter told the assembled media after his officers arrested two people and took a third into custody at the canceled fireworks display Thursday night.

“We want to look at how we can best protect our visitors and the citizens of this city,” said the commissioner. “We are taking all possible measures, but I am sure there are some things we can do better.”

One measure Carter appeared to rule out was police using metal detectors as people enter the park for the event. He said there are too many access points to the park along Front Street for that to be practical.

Ironically, the only person injured in Thursday night’s incident was the mayor herself. After exiting the elevator to the press conference, Williams was limping and walking slowly. When asked by a reporter, the mayor said she was wearing a knee brace.

After speaking briefly at the podium, Williams sat down while Carter concluded the press conference and answered questions.

“Of all the thousands of people, it was the mayor – she was the one who was trampled,” Carter said.

The commissioner said Williams was in the mayor’s tent holding a child when an armed 18-year-old suspect fleeing police ran through the tent, knocking down Williams and the child and trampling them. The suspect then ran onto the Walnut Street Bridge and threw the gun into the river before being arrested.

Carter said a police diver was in the river Friday to recover the weapon. The commissioner did not provide any further information about the suspect or any charges that may be filed against him. He said those decisions would be made in consultation with Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo and his office.

A second suspect, whom Carter described as a minor but did not give his age, was arrested with a Glock that had been modified to fire as an automatic weapon and had a magazine that held over 20 rounds of ammunition. The suspect was detained, but there was no information on charges.

A second juvenile was arrested for concealing a pellet gun in the front of his pants. He was released to his parents, Carter said.

Both Carter and Williams thanked the more than 20 police officers securing the event for spotting the suspects with “bulges” in their pants that indicated a firearm. Carter said officers noticed and observed some of the suspects before the fireworks began around 9:15 p.m.

But as the show progressed, reports came in of at least three people with guns in the crowd. In addition, other people began setting off fireworks that Williams said were designed to imitate the sound of guns “banging” in order to “scare the hell out of people.”

For all these reasons, Carter Williams recommended that the $22,000 fireworks display be canceled shortly before the grand finale began at 9:27 p.m.

Carter and Williams said police’s keen observation and quick response to some suspects, whom Carter said may have been linked to gang activity, prevented a stampede that would have injured dozens of people.

“The officers prevented something bad from happening yesterday,” Carter said. “Our officers were on the scene and responded very, very quickly. We were able to arrest the people.”

Both Carter and the mayor apologized for the premature end of the fireworks, but the commissioner stressed that public safety was the top priority.

“I’m sorry, you know, that happened,” Carter said. “I’m sorry the mayor got hurt. But I’m glad no one else got hurt.”

Carter was referring to the stampede that was sparked at the city’s Fourth of July event two years ago by fireworks that people mistook for gunfire. The stampede left several people injured and young children separated from their parents. Carter said his call to end the fireworks early Thursday night prevented a repeat of that situation.

Addressing the citizens and visitors of Harrisburg, Williams said, “I am just as angry and frustrated as all of you. We had our beautiful family celebration yesterday and it was ruined. I am personally sorry.”