NEWPORT BEACH (July 6, 2026) – Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) issued the following statement after the 4th of July incident that occurred in Newport Beach.
“As the nation celebrated its 250th birthday this weekend, the City of Newport Beach was met with intentional chaos and destruction by a large group of disruptive actors.
This once-in-a-lifetime celebration of our nation’s independence was cut short when an unruly mob terrorized our community with the intent to cause injury and harm to residents, visitors, law enforcement and our businesses. Over 350 law enforcement personnel from the Newport Beach Police Department and 17 regional law enforcement agencies assembled to counter this reckless behavior, and more than 400 individuals who helped fuel the disruption were arrested. According to a statement released by the City of Newport Beach, it was reported that a police officer was struck by a firework and was treated at the scene.
The City of Newport Beach spent months expanding its safety measures, strengthening its police and fire staffing, mobilizing regional resources and increasing fines for infractions in preparation for this holiday, but this devastating situation exceeded all expectations. As a former Newport Beach City Councilmember and Mayor, I have always been a strong supporter of our local law enforcement. I have fought to add new officers to the force and to increase public safety funding so we can remain prepared when emergencies arise.
This harmful behavior is unacceptable. When you seek to intimidate or harm our community, you will learn the hard way that Orange County does not tolerate criminal behavior and that you will be held accountable.
We also saw the best of Newport Beach this weekend. By the next morning, residents and local business owners volunteered, alongside city crews, to clean up the damage left behind. I am proud to be in my 12th year representing Newport Beach on the city level and now in Sacramento. This city is special and deserves our utmost respect for both its natural beauty and community.
I applaud the City of Newport Beach, the Newport Beach Police Department, the Newport Beach Fire Department and surrounding agencies whose unwavering efforts helped restore order to the city. They delivered professionalism and teamwork through difficult circumstances and helped protect our community through this time.”
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Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach, is a pragmatic businesswoman and former Mayor, who represents the 72nd Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods and Lake Forest.