In response to the social media planned “Takeover” at Bay Plaza on President’s Day in the Bronx, the cities of Mount Vernon and Yonkers (which both border the Bronx) issued strongly worded warnings in response to suggesting a similar gathering could happen locally, Mount Vernon officials said they are taking the situation seriously.
With students out on Winter Break this week, the City of Mount Vernon sent the following statement to Black Westchester.
(Mount Vernon, NY) – We are aware of the social media postings circulating regarding a potential “takeover” similar to the incident reported at Bay Plaza on February 16, and the possibility of such activity occurring here in the City of Mount Vernon.
Please be assured that we are taking these posts seriously. The Mount Vernon Police Department is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating as necessary with regional partners to ensure public safety.
We will use every legal means available to protect the residents, businesses, and visitors of Mount Vernon. The safety of our community remains our top priority, and we are fully prepared to respond to any unlawful activity to the fullest extent of the law
Let us be clear: this is not being treated as youthful fun and games. Any effort that disrupts public safety, damage property, or negatively impacts the economic stability of our city will be addressed accordingly. We view any organized unlawful activity as a serious threat to both public safety and the economic well-being of Mount Vernon.
We are also asking parents and guardians to speak with their children and ensure they do not participate in any activity that could place them or others at risk.
We encourage residents and business owners to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any credible concerns directly to local authorities.
Mount Vernon Police encourages anyone with additional information regarding this incident to contact the MVPD Detective Division at 914-665-2510. All calls will be kept confidential. You can also submit an anonymous tip via our “Text-A-Tip” by texting “MVPD” and your tip to 847411. You can also anonymously send information by utilizing the “Mount Vernon PD” app, available in the Google Play and Apple Store.
THING TWICE CITY OF YONKERS WARNS
Mount Vernon was not the only city to put out a warning to would-be disturbers of the peace — Yonkers Police also addressed the potential threat on Tuesday. The City of Yonkers also posted a strongly worded warning to deter any attempted takeover, basically telling anyone who even thinks about it: FAFO!
“Think Twice,” Yonkers Police Department shared. “We have long-established, well-practiced procedures in place for situations like this. These protocols have been developed, refined, and exercised over time, and we are fully prepared to respond to any level of unrest.
Our department has significant personnel, specialized units, and regional partnerships ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. We have a responsibility to protect our residents, our business owners, and their property – and we approach that responsibility with seriousness, resolve, and zero hesitation.”
The Westchester County Police Department stated, “The Department of Public Safety and its Real Time Crime intelligence center are monitoring social media activity and working with municipal law enforcement partners to discourage these planned teenager ‘takeovers’ of retail venues and other public spaces. In addition, the Department’s patrol officers are prepared to respond to assist any municipality if needed in the event of a disruptive takeover occurs.
“We are asking teens to take our advice about takeovers: do not participate in this kind of activity. You can get hurt, other people can get hurt, and you can be subject to arrest. We are also urging parents to speak with their children and advise them to ignore this dangerous ‘challenge’ being presented to youths via social media,” Commissioner Terrance Raynor shared with Black Westchester.
NYPD Officers responded shortly after 2 p.m. to a 911 call requesting crowd control at 200 Baychester Ave. Authorities said warnings were issued ordering the group to disperse. Officers responded to reports of as many as 200 teenagers acting disorderly outside Bay Plaza on Monday afternoon, where large crowds were seen scattering in different directions as police moved in. As many as 18 young people were taken into custody, we are told charges are pending.
Witnesses reported hundreds of youths gathering inside and around the shopping center. A nearby fast-food restaurant sustained a shattered window during the incident. Mall officials said there was no damage inside the mall itself and that it remained open during the disturbance.
TODAY: 500 youths stormed through Bronx Mall in "Bay Plaza Takeover" this afternoon, resulting in multiple detainements
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) February 17, 2026
Video by @FreedomNTV Desk@freedomnews.tv to license pic.twitter.com/o6p6eoTFkI
Police helicopters were seen overhead as officers worked to clear the area. Authorities said the gathering had been promoted on social media and was intended to continue until participants were removed.
The City of New Rochelle says it is also monitoring the situation.
“The New Rochelle Police Department is taking these posts seriously and will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with our Law Enforcement partners, as needed, to ensure public safety. Any activity that jeopardizes residents, businesses, or visitors to New Rochelle will be swiftly addressed to the fullest extent of the law,” said the New Rochelle Police Department in a statement.
