Overview
- Police entered the Congress Theater after a trespassing call and arrested 16 people ages 13 to 19 on Friday, charging each with misdemeanor criminal trespass while four faced reckless‑conduct charges and two were cited for replica pellet guns.
- The arrests come about one week after a viral Aug. 8 unsanctioned rave at the shuttered venue that drew hundreds and was shut down by officers after a noise complaint.
- Officers reported that some teenagers went onto the theater roof during the response, prompting a helicopter to assist because the roof was described as unstable.
- Developers and Ald. Daniel La Spata say the unauthorized parties caused significant damage and could raise the estimated $88–$100 million rehabilitation cost despite a reported $25.2 million federal loan for the project.
- Organizers and some attendees say events were meant as community gatherings with safety steps, but city officials say police will press stricter enforcement and developers will need to boost security and repairs before work can move forward.