They’ve been described as a viral TikTok trend. But it’s time to call these “teen takeovers” what they really are — organized mob crime that is terrorizing communities across America.
Millions of dollars’ worth of property has been damaged. People can’t walk their own streets safely. And bystanders — and even police officers — have been injured. Meanwhile, very few teens and no parents are being held accountable.
The mainstream media has softened the impact of these teen takeovers, and even used some of their favorite terms like “mostly peaceful.” But here’s an unfiltered look at what’s really been happening at these criminal events. Just don’t expect to see this reported on your local news.
Let’s start in Chicago, where cops showing up didn’t stop the destruction. Fleeing teens stomped on cars and smashed windshields.
🚨WHAT ON EARTH?!!!!
Hundreds of cars were vandalized in Chicago after police broke up a "teen takeover" and kids began fleeing by JUMPING ON CARS AND SMASHING WINDSHIELDS!!!
WHERE ARE THE PARENTS OF THESE KIDS???!!!!!!!
THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/n59199CtGL
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) May 25, 2026
And here are teens destroying new trucks at a dealership during a teen street takeover, causing thousands of dollars in damage. They clearly have no fear of being caught or punished.
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Here’s body cam footage showing property damage and arrests in Florida after a teen takeover of an indoor park.
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And in Long Branch, New Jersey, police in riot gear had to break up a teen takeover. This video includes a brutal assault.
🚨HOLY CRAP!!!
Over TWO-HUNDRED police officers in RIOT SHIELDS had to lock down an ENTIRE NEW JERSEY BEACH TOWN…
…because HUNDREDS of out-of-town "teens" began BEATING EACH OTHER IN THE STREETS, JUMPING ON CARS AND STEALING THEM!!!
The city had to declare an emergency 8… pic.twitter.com/S5Lg37WLVv
— Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) May 21, 2026
It’s time to give police the resources they need to do their jobs, hold teens and parents accountable, stop this teen takeover trend, and protect the law-abiding citizens in our communities.