Tybee Island’s annual Orange Crush festival, branded as "Crush Reloaded" this year, concluded with 26 arrests and the seizure of five firearms, including a makeshift machine gun. The event, which organizers promoted as "THE BIGGEST HBCU BEACH BASH IS BACK," drew a massive crowd over the weekend of April 17-19, with authorities reporting 297 calls for service to the island’s 911 center. 26 Arrests and Firearms Seized
Between Friday, April 17, and Sunday, April 19, the Tybee Island Police Department and Georgia State Patrol made a total of 26 arrests. Of those, 19 were made by Tybee Island police and seven by the Georgia State Patrol. The total marks four more arrests than last year’s event, when authorities made 22 arrests. Police also handed out 100 traffic citations, with 49 issued by Tybee Island officers and 51 by state troopers. Security Measures and Official Responses
Tybee Island Mayor Brian West told Fox News Digital that the city’s security approach closely mirrored what authorities have used in recent years. "It's pretty similar to what we did last year. It looks like we might have more people this year, but we put in a safety protocol three years ago that seems to be pretty effective," West said. The mayor also noted that the event was no longer considered "destructive." Background and Historical Context
The Orange Crush festival has seen varying levels of arrests in recent years, with 54 arrests in 2024 and 26 in 2023. The event has been a subject of controversy, with past incidents including gunfire and large crowds overwhelming the island’s resources. This year’s event was promoted as a celebration for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with organizers expecting more than 50,000 attendees.