NJ Assemblyman Paul Kanitra Warns Memorial Day Pop-Up Parties Could Lead to Arrests, Parent Penalties
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ — As Jersey Shore towns brace for massive Memorial Day weekend crowds, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra issued a blunt warning to teens planning disruptive “pop-up” parties in Ocean County beach communities: “You will leave in handcuffs.”
Kanitra, a former mayor of Point Pleasant Beach who now represents New Jersey’s 10th Legislative District, said shore communities are preparing for potential unrest after reports surfaced about multiple large teen gatherings allegedly being organized through social media ahead of the holiday weekend.
Officials across the Shore have increased police presence and enforcement efforts following violent incidents, fights, and disorderly crowds that disrupted several beach towns during previous summers.
Kanitra Cites Last Year’s Violence at Shore Towns
In a social media statement posted Thursday, Kanitra referenced “stabbings and chaos” that occurred last year on Jersey Shore beaches and boardwalks and said authorities are already hearing reports of as many as six pop-up parties planned for Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Beach this weekend.
“Enough is enough,” Kanitra wrote. “As the former Mayor of Point Pleasant Beach, I shut pop-up parties down. Kids went to court. Parents were held accountable for their children’s actions.”
The Republican lawmaker praised police departments in Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, and surrounding communities, calling them “strong, aware and tired” of disruptive behavior tied to unsupervised teen crowds.
Kanitra also warned that parents could face consequences if their children engage in criminal activity during the holiday weekend.
Key Points
• Assemblyman Paul Kanitra warned teens planning disruptive Shore gatherings they could face arrest this Memorial Day weekend.
• Kanitra said reports indicate up to six “pop-up parties” may be planned in Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Beach.
• The former Point Pleasant Beach mayor also called for stricter penalties tied to juvenile disorderly conduct and public intoxication.
Lawmaker Pushes Tougher Crowd-Control Legislation
Kanitra used the statement to renew support for several bills he says would strengthen enforcement tools for police departments dealing with disorderly crowds and underage drinking at the Shore.
Among the proposals:
- Assembly Bill A299 would restore penalties for underage possession of alcohol and cannabis.
- Assembly Bill A727 would increase restrictions on marijuana use on public beaches.
- Assembly Bill A298 would broaden definitions tied to rioting and disorderly conduct offenses.
Kanitra criticized what he called “soft-on-crime policies” in Trenton, arguing current laws leave police with limited enforcement options when large groups of juveniles gather.
“All three are sitting in the Assembly Judiciary Committee, not moving,” Kanitra wrote. “Why? Because Trenton doesn’t want accountability.”
Shore Towns Increase Security Ahead of Holiday Weekend
The warning comes as several Jersey Shore municipalities activate seasonal curfews and emergency measures aimed at preventing large unsupervised gatherings during the summer tourism season.
Toms River this week reinstated a barrier island curfew for juveniles after officials cited years of vandalism, criminal mischief, and social media-organized “pop-up” parties. Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, and other Shore communities have also increased patrols ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
Police agencies throughout Ocean County routinely deploy additional officers during major summer weekends because of increased traffic, beach crowds, nightlife activity, and public safety concerns.
Kanitra ended his message with a call for stronger enforcement and community accountability.
“It’s time to take our shore back,” he wrote.
