Brockton World Cup Crowd Erupts In Fights, Fireworks And Gunfire: Cops

BROCKTON, MA — A World Cup crowd in Brockton erupted into chaos Sunday night, leaving "several" with gunshot wounds, police said.

"The incidents began as large crowds gathered in the downtown area following Cape Verde's World Cup match," the Brockton Police Department said in a media release.

"As the evening progressed, officers encountered blocked roadways, heavy traffic congestion, fireworks, and physical fights," the release said.

Brockton police and the Massachusetts State Police "worked throughout the night to clear roadways, manage crowd control, and restore access for emergency vehicles and the public," according to the release.

"During these operations, officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire," the release said, and shortly before 8 p.m., a man was shot on Main Street near Battles Street.

"Later in the evening, police responded to additional reports of gunfire in the areas of Forest Avenue, Central Square, Main Street, and Warren Avenue," according to the release.

"Several individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to area hospitals for treatment," the release said.

"Throughout the night, officers rendered emergency medical aid, secured crime scenes, recovered evidence, including a firearm, and conducted crowd-control operations," according to the release. "Brockton Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police made multiple arrests."

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