A Minneapolis news crew experienced a near-disaster during Fourth of July reporting when a cameraman narrowly avoided a fireworks explosion. The incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. at Boom Island Park, where WCCO reporters were covering disturbances involving fireworks. A sudden explosion erupted mere feet from the crew, prompting a warning shout from a bystander. Fortunately, cameraman Nick Boeke escaped unharmed.
Reporter Pauleen Le later provided a firsthand account of the incident, highlighting the proximity of the explosion and the size of the firework. According to Le, approximately a dozen officers from various law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, eventually restoring order by 2 a.m. However, several confrontations between officers and individuals occurred before the situation was brought under control. A witness described a chaotic atmosphere with people fighting and throwing fireworks at police officers.
This incident marks the second consecutive year of violence at Boom Island Park during Fourth of July celebrations. In 2022, eight people were shot at the same location. This latest event raises concerns about the safety of journalists reporting in areas with high crime rates. Former KSTP-TV reporter Crystal Bui recently shared her experiences covering the George Floyd riots in Minneapolis, criticizing her newsroom for prioritizing ratings over reporter safety. Bui alleged that management used coded language to encourage reporters to move closer to dangerous situations, despite the risks involved.
