The North Charleston block party attack on July 4 left officers scrambling after a city-permitted celebration in the Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood devolved into gunfire and a mob assault, authorities said. The North Charleston Police Department said six people have been charged — including four juveniles whose identities were withheld — after a viral video showed a female officer pulled to the ground and struck while responding to the scene.
Police said the disturbance unfolded about 8:30 p.m., after officers repeatedly announced the event had ended and ordered attendees to disperse. Video circulating online and referenced by police shows a crowd surging around officers as they attempted to separate people and secure the area.
What police say happened at the North Charleston block party attack
According to the North Charleston Police Department, officers were called after attendees fired fireworks toward passing vehicles and later discovered that some individuals were discharging firearms. Officers had previously met with event organizers to address traffic and emergency access, the department said, and repeatedly told the crowd the block party was over.
Police described a chaotic scene in which an officer attempted to detain a person and was pulled to the ground by a crowd; the viral video posted online shows the officer being struck as other officers and bystanders intervened. In statements, police said separate fights and additional gunfire were reported as officers worked to clear the area.
Arrests, charges and recovered items
The department said six people were charged in connection with the violence. Four of those charged are juveniles; the department did not release their names in keeping with juvenile privacy rules. Two adults were publicly named in the department’s release:
- Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell, 19, of North Charleston — charged with possession of a machine gun, according to the police release.
- Sa’Mya Adriana Collette Weaver, 18 — charged with breach of the peace and assault on a police officer while resisting arrest, police said.
Officers reported recovering several firearms and a makeshift spear at the scene. Investigators described one recovered weapon as a “machine gun” in early statements; police cautioned that that characterization is based on initial descriptions and may be subject to forensic verification as the investigation continues.
Scene injuries, officer accounts and evidence
Police said multiple officers were assaulted while trying to restore order. Two female officers sustained minor injuries; authorities said no civilians were reported injured. Officials also noted that at least one officer deployed a stun device during the response.
Investigators are reviewing the viral video along with body-worn camera and bystander footage to identify additional suspects and establish a timeline. Police emphasized that charges announced are allegations and that prosecutors and detectives will refine charges as evidence — including ballistics and forensic examination of recovered weapons — is analyzed.
Investigation status and next steps
The North Charleston Police Department said the investigation remains active and additional arrests and charges are possible. The department thanked members of the public who assisted officers on scene and acknowledged mutual aid from other local agencies, including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
In an official statement, the department said, “Attacks on law enforcement are unacceptable and those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Authorities encouraged anyone with information to contact the department through its CRIMEWATCH app or by contacting North Charleston Police directly.
What comes next
Detectives will continue to review video evidence and forensic results from recovered firearms. Ballistics testing and laboratory analysis will help determine whether any weapons were fired and will confirm the precise classification of seized firearms. If additional suspects are identified, police said more arrests could follow. Prosecutors will review the investigative file to determine final charges based on the evidence.
Key takeaways
- The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. July 4 at a city-permitted block party in the Chicora-Cherokee community.
- Six people were charged, including four juveniles whose identities were withheld; two adults were publicly identified by police.
- Police recovered multiple firearms and a makeshift spear; one weapon was described initially as a machine gun pending forensic verification.
- Multiple officers were assaulted and two female officers received minor injuries; authorities reported no civilian injuries.
Frequently asked questions
Who was charged in the North Charleston block party attack?
Police announced charges against six people, including four juveniles whose names were not released. The department publicly named Giovanni Mekhi Sincere Campbell, 19, charged with possession of what police described as a machine gun, and Sa’Mya Adriana Collette Weaver, 18, charged with breach of the peace and assault on a police officer while resisting arrest. These are allegations; the investigation is ongoing.
Were any officers or civilians injured in the incident?
Multiple officers were assaulted during the response. Two female officers suffered minor injuries, according to police; no civilian injuries were reported.
Was a machine gun recovered and was it fired?
Police reported recovering multiple firearms, including a weapon they initially described as a machine gun, plus a makeshift spear. Officials have not confirmed whether any recovered firearms were fired at the scene; ballistics testing and further investigation will determine that.
Source: North Charleston Police Department statement (official release) and Fox News — North Charleston Police Department press releases; Fox News.
