Pepper Spray Deployed as ‘Swatch Frenzy’ Turns Violent at Long Island Mall

A nationwide retail frenzy over a limited-edition watch collaboration escalated into chaos at Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, forcing officials to cancel the remainder of an air show as police deployed pepper spray on unruly crowds.

According to Nassau County Police, hundreds of people gathered at the mall for the release of a special version of a pocket watch—a collaboration between luxury brand Audemars Piguet and Swatch, retailing for approximately $400.

Video from the scene shows officers pepper-spraying the crowd. Police stated that attendees became disorderly, refused orders, and attempted to push past officers. Four arrests were made, including one individual charged with second-degree assault.

The unrest was not isolated to Long Island. Retail locations across the world reported unruly crowds for the same reason. In Milan, video captured shoppers brawling inside a store. In suburban Philadelphia, nearly 100 officers had to respond after crowds at a mall became unmanageable.

“Could have become like a stampede if they did open the doors. It would have been a free for all,” one onlooker said.

Officials canceled the remainder of the air show following the incident.