By: Richard L. Smith
Police are investigating a massive disturbance at Menlo Park Mall Saturday night that reportedly stemmed from a TikTok-organized meet-up and drew nearly 300 teenagers into the shopping center, sparking fights, panic, and a heavy police response.
The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. at the mall located in the 50’s block of Parsonage Road. According to preliminary information, Edison police received reports of possible shots fired, prompting an immediate and large-scale response.
Upon arrival, officers found mall security guards attempting to control a chaotic crowd of teens engaged in multiple brawls throughout the mall, including in the food court and on the top level of the parking deck.
Due to the size and volatility of the gathering, Edison police called for mutual aid from surrounding towns, including Woodbridge, Piscataway, and South Plainfield.
It took officers more than 30 minutes to disperse the crowd as teens ran through the mall, some engaging in hand-to-hand fights.
Out of caution, store owners locked customers inside their shops until the situation was under control.
Despite initial reports, police say no shell casings were recovered during a thorough search of the mall and parking areas, and no evidence of gunfire has been confirmed.
Authorities believe the flash mob-style gathering was organized through TikTok, raising new concerns over the platform’s influence and the preparedness of mall security. 
Some shoppers voiced concerns about the shopping center’s “below-standard” security presence, which they say may have made the location a target for such events.
“There is always something crazy happening at this mall that’s beginning to decline in daily shopping traffic; making shoppers feel unsafe”, a shopper told RLS Media.
One police officer reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the response and was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center for treatment.
At least three individuals were arrested for disorderly conduct and other related charges.
The investigation remains active as police review surveillance footage and social media activity tied to the incident.