Wildwood civil unrest prompts NJ to issue overnight state of emergency

New Jersey officials entered an overnight state of emergency in response to “civil unrest” along the the Wildwood Boardwalk near the state’s southern tip.

“Out of an abundance of caution due to emergent conditions that have resulted from civil unrest threatening the public health, safety, and welfare of our residents and visitors alike, the City of Wildwood has declared a state of emergency in order to maintain law and order within our jurisdiction,” city officials posted shortly after midnight Monday as Memorial Day began.

The boardwalk was reopened by 6 a.m. when the City of Wildwood “was able to effectively address numerous incidents of civil unrest and ensure the safety and welfare of our residents and visitors.”

The nature or the activities that caused the access to the boardwalk to be restricted are is unclear.

A 15-year-old boy was reportedly stabbed during a Saturday night fight on the boardwalk near Ocean City. CBS News said that incident appeared unrelated to Monday’s state of emergency. Weather permitting, the Jersey Shore is expected to draw large holiday crowds. The Weather Channel calls for a foggy start to the day followed by afternoon thunderstorms in Wildwood.

Wildwood officials haven’t responded to a request for comment.

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