Another Long Beach 'Sunset Party' Canceled: Police Commissioner

LONG BEACH, NY — Police are taking a proactive move to keep the peace in Long Beach.

A "sunset party" is planned for Saturday night at Ocean Beach Park, the same location where more than 2,000 people gathered last weekend but ended with gunfire and two arrests.

"This is an unauthorized, what we consider an illegal, gathering and the "sunset party" is canceled," Police Commissioner Ronald Walsh said.

He said there was no permit or insurance filed for the large crowd. No rules or regulations were followed for Ocean Beach Park, Walsh said.

However, those you still decide to show up, Walsh said, can expect a "large police presence" that includes partners from the New York State, MTA and Nassau County police officers.

"If we start to see people showing up, they can expect to be met with a much less comfortable environment than they experienced last week," Walsh said.

On June 27, the throngs of graduates from neighboring towns ascended on the beach. In the waning moments of the gathering, police arrested an 18-year-old after firing a gun and attempting to get away.

"We need to do what we have to do to ensure that the public is safe, including the people on the beach," Walsh said.

Police have been tipped off from people who saw the invitations on private social media chats and cautioned there is no way to know how many people would attend.

His department, though, will be ready to tow cars and/or write summonses for illegally parked vehicles, he said.

Additionally, anyone who attempts to enter Ocean Beach Park can expect a bag search. Aside from weapons, no alcohol and smoking are allowed.

"We need to do what we have to do to ensure that the public is safe, including the people on the beach," Walsh said.

Despite the large law-enforcement presence, these parties are typically coordinated with short notice, making Walsh concerned that his department could get blindsided during the summer.

"Does that possibility exist? Sure," Walsh admitted. "However, I think that the social responsibility of the people in our community, who want to preserve the quality of life in Long Beach, they're going to tell us when they see something like this is about to happen."