Spirit Plaza during the Ford Fireworks June 23, 2025. Photo: Samuel Robinson
Two people were injured after being shot near thousands who were gathering at Spirit Plaza and Hart Plaza for Detroit’s 67th annual Ford Fireworks show.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison told media Monday night after the fireworks show ended that victims, including two juvenile male and female in their 20s, were treated for non life threatening injuries. The shooting stemmed from a fight that began on Randolph and Larned, about a block away from the festivities.
“I had officers right in the area and they responded immediately, aiding the injured and actually based off the description, did detain one young person,” Bettison said. “That person was not involved and was not a suspect, however, we do have great video of the suspects.”
The city’s policing strategy during the night of the fireworks has been a point of contention for several years.
The city closes down parks during fireworks across the riverfront. Closures span from Gabriel Richard Park near Belle Isle to Huntington Place. Residents nearby AB Ford Park, the Dequindre Cut, Mt. Elliot Park all the way to the West Riverfront are blocked from enjoying the show from those public parks due to safety concerns.
“When you talk about quality of life to attract and retain residents, the “control” for an event like the fireworks seems counterproductive,” said columnist Karen Dumas. Her post to social media sparked a debate over whether shutting down parks increases public safety.
Detroit police officers were stationed at public parks directing families away prior to the beginning of the show, which started around 10pm. A video posted to social media Monday showed officers directing people away from Stockton Park on the city’s east side.
The shooting happened at 10:04pm, Bettison said.
“I’ve been working the fireworks for 30 years and I can tell you that tonight, this was less than I’ve seen in the past,” Bettison said.
Police didn’t report any serious injuries outside of the shooting incident.
“The police presence was good, but I still think they need to do more, we can’t have this violence,” community activist Stephen Hawring said during Detroit City Council public comment on Tuesday.
Other members of the public called into say they didn’t notice the fights.
“You guys did a good job last night, keep the parks closed,” activist Melissa Love said during public comment.
A number of people learned about the incident taking public transportation to get home. Artist and longtime resident Daryl Stewart told Michigan Chronicle it was his first time seeing the fireworks from the Detroit People Mover.
“It really is a beautiful view from here, isn’t it?” Stewart said.
Kids and parents flocked to windows as the elevated train car weaved around the Huntington Place and the GM Renaissance Center.
Train cars were full of people heading to their cars parked near the West Riverfront, Bricktown and Grand Circus Park stations.
Prior to the fireworks, the QLine was similarly packed with young people heading downtown.
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