THURSDAY JULY 9, 2026
SOUTH BOSTON ONLINE
VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 74
Councilor Flynn Denounces Violence Toward Boston Police, First Responders and City Officials Councilor Flynn Files Resolution of Unequivocal Denouncement Against Any Violence, Assault and Harassment Towards Boston Police, First Responders, and City Officials
O
n June 28, 2026, a Boston Police Of f icer wa s in pursuit of an arrest when a large crowd surrounded him, throwing drinks and glass at the officer before the suspect f led. Reports indicate that the suspect and the officer physically struggled when a group congregated with cars and mopeds and began throwing alcoholic beverages at the officer, leaving broken glass scattered on the street. In response, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn filed a resolution of u ne qu ivoc a l denou nc ement against any violence, assault, or harassment towards Boston Police Off icers, our dedicated f irst responders, and city officials. The Boston Po l i c e Department has longstanding issues of u nd e r s t a f f i n g , overstretched resources, forced overtime and looming
retirements. Boston Police Off icers have worked more than 16 hour days for years, disregarding officers’ personal physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as that of their families. The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association recently noted that the Department is down roughly 600 off icers, operating at roughly onethird of the workforce. This viral video and other similar incident s in recent yea rs continue to contribute to low mora le, retention, and recruitment - especially during a time of increased violence and public safety issues in Boston. The lack of support or indifference when it comes to supporting the Boston Police, Boston Fire Department and Boston EMS only exacerbate these issues , and our city is ultimately less safe in the long run. Public safety begins with supporting the families of the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day to serve and protect our communities. The environment
at the Boston Police Department must be one that fosters a strong relationship w it hin the community. To conduct c om mu n it y pol ici n g be st practices, it is important that trust is established bet ween of f icers and the residents. Officers who feel valued and respected are more likely to have posit ive i nterac t ions with the public, ultimately improving cooperation. “As a society, it is never acceptable to commit acts of violence, assault, or harassment against police officers and public servants who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. Our f irst responders deserve
the full support of their elected leaders and the residents they serve. Any threats, violence, and harassment against those who protect our communities must be unequivocally denounced,” said Councilor Flynn. “We must stand together to support these brave men and women and ensure they have the resources, respect, and protections necessary to do their jobs and continue ser ving our neighborhoods. Anything less is unacceptable, a nd u ltimately ma kes t he Cit y of Boston less safe.” For more information, ple a s e c ont a c t C ou nci lor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or E d . F l y n n @ B o s t o n . g o v.
Sail Boston – Don’t Miss It! by Rick Winterson
S
outh Boston Online is repeating something we are certain you’ve already heard. In a couple of days, beginning this Saturday morning, July 11, more than 60 Tall Ships will arrive in Boston. They’ll take part in “Sail Boston”, which will be returning to help
us celebrate the 250th summer of the United States of America. The route we’ve heard the ships will be taking extends a round Deer Isla nd, a f ter anchoring off Nahant in what’s called Broad Sound. Most important, the Tall Ships that make up “Sail Boston” will traverse Boston Harbor between Logan Airport and the northern
shoreline of South Boston – a shoreline that includes Castle Island and the Seaport, and then ends at Fan Pier. On Saturday, the viewing anywhere along this shoreline should be superb. The first Tall Ships will set sail at 9 a.m.; they’ll all be anchored at piers along South Boston’s northern shoreline by 4 p.m. We’ll a lso remind you
that the Tall Ships will be publicly boa rd ing v isitors this Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Sunday, July 12, through Wednesday, July 15, the boarding times will stretch from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Everyone is welcome – these boardings are all free. And that won’t be all. Continued on Page 2