“Fireworks are illegal in Alexandria, including sparklers. Report illegal fireworks by calling 311,” the city wrote.
As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the City of Alexandria, in Democrat-run Virginia, is encouraging residents to report their neighbors who light fireworks and sparklers to local authorities.
In a post on social media ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the city's official government account directed people to report violations by calling the city's non-emergency 311 line. "Fireworks are illegal in Alexandria, including sparklers. Report illegal fireworks by calling 311," the city wrote. "Our show is next weekend. Join us for the City Birthday celebration on July 11 at Oronoco Bay Park."
The message has sparked a huge backlash online, with city officials being accused of encouraging residents to report one another during one of the nation's most widely celebrated holidays, with some even comparing it to historically communist tactics. "Odd post to make about a celebration of liberty," one X user commented.
"Moving a fireworks show to another weekend other than that of July 4th is because these folk hate America, and are willing to erase the history that makes our nation great," another commented.
https://twitter.com/VictorJ_Roman/status/2072681593026617640
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Some even suggested rebelling against the rule and setting of fireworks regardless. "Alexandria, VA residents… you can Sic Semper Tyrannis the local tyrants in Gov’t and rebel with your fireworks in Windmill Hill Park to celebrate the 4th of July."
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Alexandria prohibits the possession, sale, and use of consumer fireworks within city limits. The restrictions extend beyond aerial fireworks to sparklers and other consumer pyrotechnics that are legal in many other jurisdictions. Instead of allowing residents to celebrate with their own fireworks displays, the city is directing the public to instead attend its official fireworks show over the weekend of July 11 at Oronoco Bay Park.
Virginia law generally permits the sale and possession of some consumer fireworks, but local governments retain the authority to impose stricter ordinances. Alexandria is among several Northern Virginia jurisdictions that prohibit virtually all consumer fireworks. The city did not indicate whether additional enforcement measures would be in place over the holiday weekend beyond asking residents to report violations through its 311 telephone system.
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