Ocean City, Maryland was thrust into chaos late Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday morning, following a series of serious incidents that stretched local law enforcement to its limits and raised pressing questions about public safety and emergency preparedness during peak tourist season.
What began as a typical Fourth of July celebration with fireworks and family fun quickly spiraled into a night marked by fear, violence, and confusion. Two major incidents—the first, a targeted shooting near 28th Street, and the second, a fireworks-related disturbance on the boardwalk—brought Ocean City to a standstill and prompted a massive, multi-agency law enforcement response.
Shooting Near 28th Street Prompts Massive Police Response
Shortly after businesses closed for the evening and tourists returned to their hotels or vehicles, a shooting erupted in the area of 28th Street, sending shockwaves through the community. The severity of the incident triggered a Signal 13 alert, Ocean City’s highest-priority call for officer assistance. This rare and urgent alert mobilized dozens of officers from the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), as well as backup units from Maryland State Police, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Berlin Police Department, and Ocean Pines Police.
Given the developing nature of the situation, additional reinforcements were requested from neighboring jurisdictions including the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the Salisbury Police Department. However, as OCPD brought the situation under control, these requests were ultimately canceled before those units arrived.
Emergency Medical Services responded quickly to the scene, administering aid to the shooting victim, whose condition has not been made public. Out of respect for privacy and in consideration of the ongoing investigation, no further details regarding the victim’s identity or injuries have been released at this time.
Authorities have also withheld information about the suspect, including any potential motive, and are continuing to investigate the events that led up to the shooting. The crime scene spanned a significant portion of midtown Ocean City—from 28th Street to 32nd Street—and portions of the area were temporarily restricted as investigators collected evidence.
Panic on the Boardwalk During Fireworks Display
Earlier in the evening, before the shooting, another alarming event unfolded during a public fireworks show on the beach at the south end of town. According to multiple eyewitnesses and video evidence, a group of individuals began launching fireworks at pedestrians on the boardwalk, creating widespread panic.
What many initially believed to be gunshots sparked scenes of mass hysteria. Hundreds of people fled in fear, with screams and running crowds captured in over 100 messages and video submissions sent to Eastern Shore Undercover® and circulating on social media.
Bystanders described the scene as “active shooter-like”, and the panic extended well beyond the boardwalk, spilling onto surrounding streets and creating traffic jams, confusion, and additional calls for police assistance. Families and young children were seen running and hiding behind beach shops and barriers, highlighting the traumatic effect of what was later confirmed to be illegal and dangerous fireworks misuse—not a shooting.
A First Major Test After Seasonal Police Program Cut
Friday night’s events represented more than just a security incident; they were also an early test for the Ocean City Police Department’s new staffing strategy following the termination of its Seasonal Police Officer Program—a decision that drew significant debate earlier this year.
The events of July 5 have already triggered renewed scrutiny of the city’s ability to manage large-scale holiday crowds with limited law enforcement manpower. While the coordinated, rapid response from surrounding agencies ultimately helped control the situation, the night exposed real vulnerabilities that officials will likely be called to address in the coming weeks.
Moving Forward: What Comes Next
Both the shooting and the fireworks disturbance remain under active investigation, with law enforcement agencies working to piece together timelines, identify suspects, and determine any charges to be filed. Officials have asked the public for patience and cooperation and are encouraging anyone with photos, videos, or firsthand accounts to submit them to OCPD or Eastern Shore Undercover® to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Ocean City Mayor and Police Department representatives are expected to issue statements in the coming days, addressing both the incidents and the broader concerns surrounding public safety in the wake of these July 4th events.
As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates. For now, the community is asked to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support the efforts of first responders and investigators working diligently to ensure accountability, safety, and peace of mind for residents and visitors alike.
If you were in the area between 28th and 32nd Streets, or on the boardwalk during the fireworks display, and have relevant information, please contact Ocean City Police or submit tips to Eastern Shore Undercover®.
