A video of an illegal firework display on Los Angeles’s “Ribbon of Light” is circulating social media
The once shining “Ribbon of Light” has been illuminated again – this time, by vandals.
Los Angeles’ iconic 6th Street Bridge was the stage for an illegal firework show over the weekend. Following the incident, a video posted by the Instagram account @capture.la_ circulated on social media, showing the coordinated display.
Individuals adorned with black hoodies and face coverings are shown in the video arranging the display and later setting the fireworks ablaze. The Los Angeles sky became blinding as the pyrotechnics erupted, some exploding prematurely on the road.
“Captured a safely coordinated firework show on the 6th.st Bridge in Downtown LA,” the Instagram caption read.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) can be seen extinguishing small fires on the bridge following the display.
The 6th Street Bridge, which was reopened and dubbed the “Ribbon of Light” in 2022, has a long history of trouble predating its rebranding. Originally built in 1932, the stretch road that connects Downtown LA and Boyle Heights has seen its fair share of vandalism, theft and scandal.
After approximately 80 years of use, the City of Los Angeles announced the 6th Street Bridge was deteriorating and needed to be replaced. The Bureau of Engineering held an international competition for a new design, and Michael Maltzan Architects, a local Los Angeles firm, and HNTB Corporation won with their lit design.
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The “Ribbon of Light” was Los Angeles’ largest bridge project, costing $588 million to complete. It featured 10 sets of arches lit by LED lights that changed colors.
However, once opened to the public, theft quickly occurred. According to former Councilman Kevin de León, vandals broke into the lighting system’s metal panels, stealing the copper wire from within. To counteract the thievery, the Los Angeles Police Department created a task force, which ultimately failed.
At the start of 2024, de León told KTLA that the city spent tens of millions of dollars to repair damage. The following year, the bridge went completely dark.
“Our Sixth Street Bridge in Los Angeles no longer lights up at night and it is covered with graffiti. Thieves repeatedly steal the copper wiring and have left the bridge in the dark,” Former Los Angeles Police Commander Lillian L. Carranza posted on X in September 2025.
Our Sixth Street Bridge in Los Angeles no longer lights up at night and it is covered with graffiti. Thieves repeatedly steal the copper wiring and have left the bridge in the dark. Patrol has been increased and graffiti removal requested.
Fixing the issues plaguing the… pic.twitter.com/aW9ns1rfk7
— Lillian L. Carranza (Retired)🇺🇸 (@LAPDCARRANZA) September 12, 2025
In addition to the theft, the bridge has been a target for vandalism and tagging. In 2022, the Los Angeles City Council approved $700K to maintain the overpass and remove the graffiti, only for it to quickly return.
Most recently, an alleged vandal was rescued by the LAFD after falling from the bridge in November of last year.
In comments on the circulating video of the firework display, locals claim litter from the fireworks was left behind. Another commenter lamented a time when the bridge was once lit legally.