Large crowds of teens prompt city leaders to call for more after-school programs – News 12 Brooklyn

Teens from multiple school districts gathered outside the Barclays Center and the Atlantic Terminal Mall for the second straight afternoon. Rob Flaks • Sep 5, 2025, 10:02 PM • Updated 7 hr ago City leaders are calling for more after-school resources after large crowds of teens gathered outside the Barclays Center on Friday. Teens from multiple school districts gathered outside of the Barclays Center and the Atlantic Terminal Mall for the second straight afternoon, following the start of classes. Teens were seen in viral social media videos throwing balloons and footballs and running across traffic in large groups. “I saw some fights. I saw some people throwing things, but people were just out here because they heard about it online,” said one teen, who observed what happened Thursday. In response, police placed large barricades outside of the Barclays Center and the Atlantic Terminal Mall on Friday evening, where teens are already not allowed unless supervised by an adult. Local leaders say the gatherings show a failure of available after-school resources that teens can go to. “It’s a beautiful day, kids should be having fun outside with their friends. But this is one of the most dangerous intersections, and this is
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