July 4th celebration marred by stabbing spree in Orange County

Violence erupted in a residential area of Huntington Beach late Thursday night when witnesses say a man got out of a car and started stabbing people who were celebrating the July 4th holiday.

Two people suffered fatal wounds, and at least three others were hospitalized, according to police.

The chaos unfolded shortly after 11 p.m. at 16th Street and Pecan Avenue, where a large group of friends and family had gathered to watch fireworks.

  • Huntington Beach Stabbings
    The scene in Huntington Beach where 6 people were stabbed on Independence Day. July 4, 2024. (OC Hawk)
  • Huntington Beach Stabbings
    The scene in Huntington Beach where 6 people were stabbed on Independence Day. July 4, 2024. (OC Hawk)

Witnesses say a man pulled up to the group in a vehicle, got out of a car and started stabbing people on the sidewalk. Two men who were part of the gathering tackled the assailant and held him until police arrived, authorities said.

Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. At least three others were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening wounds.

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The Huntington Beach Fire Department initially told KTLA that six people had been stabbed.

Police said one person was taken into custody. Their identity was not immediately released, and the motive for the stabbing remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA 5 News for updates.

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