SHIRLEY, NY – Suffolk County police disrupted an illegal underground fight club Sunday evening after reports of gunfire led officers to the Brookhaven Aquatic Center parking lot. Authorities arrested thirteen individuals, most of whom were teenagers or in their early twenties, in connection with the event. The situation began to unfold around 6:00 p.m. when nearby residents and witnesses reported loud commotion and what sounded like gunshots. When officers arrived, they discovered a crowd gathered around a group of young individuals engaging in organized physical fights, with bystanders recording the altercations on their phones. Police recovered a firearm loaded with blank rounds and several weapons, including brass knuckles, raising alarms about the nature and intent of the gathering.
Initial investigation suggests the fight club was not spontaneous but rather a pre-arranged event promoted through social media and group messaging platforms. Digital flyers referred to it as “Fight Night,” inviting participants and spectators to a makeshift arena set up in the public parking lot. Officials believe this incident is connected to a disturbing trend that has emerged in Suffolk County in recent weeks, where similar gatherings have been broken up before escalating into violence. The use of blank ammunition, while not lethal, caused confusion and fear among attendees, triggering the police response and emphasizing the unpredictable nature of these unsanctioned events.
The individuals arrested face a variety of charges including disorderly conduct, unlawful assembly, weapons possession, and endangering the welfare of a minor. Police noted that some of the suspects resisted arrest or attempted to interfere with officers during the takedown. Because many of those involved are minors, their identities have not been released. Authorities are now combing through videos and photos recovered from phones and online posts in an effort to identify additional participants or ringleaders. Local school districts and youth outreach organizations have also been notified in case of potential future events.
The fight club’s location – the parking lot of a town-operated recreational facility – has drawn criticism and concern from community members who expect safe, family-friendly public spaces. Town officials are now considering increased surveillance and potential changes to how public areas are monitored, especially during evenings and weekends. Law enforcement is urging parents to pay close attention to their children’s social media use and to remain involved in their activities, particularly when unsupervised group meetups are being discussed or planned.
Police say the investigation remains open and that more arrests may follow. Anyone with information related to this incident or similar gatherings is encouraged to contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
Top Questions About the Shirley “Fight Club” Incident
- What exactly happened at the Brookhaven Aquatic Center in Shirley?
Police broke up an illegal underground fight club on July 21, 2025, where teens and young adults were brawling in a public parking lot. Gunfire was reported, and 13 people were arrested. - Was anyone injured during the event?
No serious injuries were reported, but blank rounds were fired, creating panic. The presence of weapons raised concerns about potential violence. - Who organized the event?
Authorities believe it was planned through social media and private messaging apps. Police are still investigating who was responsible for organizing and promoting it. - Were firearms involved?
Yes. Police recovered a gun loaded with blank ammunition. Although not live rounds, these types of firearms can still cause chaos and confusion in public settings. - Why are these types of fight clubs dangerous?
They’re unsupervised, illegal, often involve weapons, and can escalate quickly. Participants may not have proper training, and the environment lacks any medical or security safeguards. - Are these kinds of events happening elsewhere on Long Island?
Yes. This is not the first underground fight event Suffolk County police have encountered recently. Other gatherings have also been broken up, pointing to a rising trend. - What charges are the arrested individuals facing?
The 13 people arrested face various charges including disorderly conduct, unlawful assembly, weapons possession, and endangering the welfare of minors. - Are any of the arrested minors?
Yes. Several individuals arrested were under 18, which is why police have not released names or specific identifying information. - What’s being done to stop future fight clubs?
Law enforcement is stepping up surveillance at public facilities and reviewing social media activity. Town officials are also considering new safety measures at parks and recreation centers. - How can residents help prevent these events?
Police encourage parents to monitor their children’s online activity, stay alert for signs of unsanctioned gatherings, and report suspicious behavior to Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
