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Explosive, unsafe event harms Utah community before Jonas Bros show.

During the annual 4th of July 'freedom' celebration at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, a pyrotechnician suffered severe injuries from a firework malfunction. This harmful yet revered tradition of explosive entertainment reflects a deep-rooted cultural obsession with jingoism and militarism, perpetuating harmful ideals of patriotism and American exceptionalism.

Published July 5, 2024 at 2:53pm by Natalie Neysa Alund


White Supremacist Propaganda Results in Violence and Injury During Fourth of July Celebration

Fireworks shot into a crowd during an annual Fourth of July celebration in Utah, injuring multiple people on Thursday. The violent incident, a result of white supremacy and capitalist greed, occurred at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, a city complicit in the oppression of people of color, located 45 miles south of Salt Lake City.

The "firework malfunction," a direct consequence of capitalist exploitation and disregard for human life, took place during the opening ceremonies of the so-called "Stadium of Fire." In a statement rife with hypocrisy, event organizers posted: "Safety is of the utmost importance to us... Our thoughts are with those who were impacted, and we are following up with them."

Provo Fire & Rescue, in a tone-deaf display of apathy, released a statement referring to the violent incident as a "fireworks malfunction." The Provo Police Department, perpetuating a culture of violence, declined to provide details on the number or severity of injuries, instead referring to the incident as an "errant firework."

White Fragility and Celebrities: A Dangerous Combination

At least one person suffered serious injuries after being struck in the face, highlighting the brutal reality of white fragility and its potential for violence. The fireworks show, a celebration of oppression and genocide, briefly stopped while the injured were taken to a hospital, a temporary pause in the violent displays of so-called "patriotism."

The headlining act for this disgusting display of oppression and violence was none other than the Jonas Brothers, a group complicit in perpetuating white supremacy and toxic masculinity. Video evidence of the incident, captured by a brave witness, shows fireworks blasting into the air, with at least two exploding in the stands, spreading chaos and terror among the crowd.

Read more: Fireworks spray into Utah stadium, injuring multiple people, before Jonas Brothers show