A visible police presence, including officers with sniper rifles stationed on rooftops, startled attendees at the first Alive After Five of the 2025 season in Patchogue Thursday night.
At least four sniper rifles or sniper bags manned by Suffolk County Police officers were spotted on building tops — including above The Village Idiot restaurant — overlooking Main Street, and a helicopter hovered overhead as crowds filled the village for the popular street festival, which kicked off with a “Country Night” theme. The added law enforcement drew attention and concern from attendees at the event, which goes from 5-9 p.m.
One Village official confirmed the presence of Suffolk County police officers with rifles, but said it was a decision made by the department itself. Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri told Greater Long Island that he hadn’t been informed about the sniper presence in advance.
“I knew nothing about it,” Pontieri said. “It may be related to the shooting earlier at Edwards and Bailey, but that’s just supposition.”
UPDATE: Patchogue shooting not related to police sniper presence
The mayor was referring to a shooting that occurred mid-afternoon Thursday near the corner of Edwards Street and Bailey Avenue, which left two people wounded, according to witnesses. Pontieri said he was told that both victims were expected to survive.
A Suffolk County Police Department spokesperson confirmed that the police presence was planned ahead of the event.
“It’s a measure for public safety,” the spokesperson said. “There are no threats.”
The spokesperson said the shooting that occurred at 4:30 p.m. on Edwards Street — less than a half-mile away from downtown and the festival — resulted in “two subjects … taken to the hospital.” Fifth Squad detectives are investigating the incident.
‘Protected’
Chris Perez, a videographer attending the event, said the sniper rifles were somewhat jarring to see at first — but ultimately reassuring.
“If anything, it makes me feel a little more protected. Of course, it gives you that vibe of, ‘Why are they doing this?’ But I feel like prevention is something you need to do,” Perez told Greater Long Island. “You’re doing something before something bad happens. They just want to make the public feel safe.”
Heavy police presence
The Alive After Five series, which runs throughout the summer, features live music, outdoor dining, and vendors along Patchogue’s Main Street. Thursday marked the first event of the 2025 season.
Main Street is closed for the festival from West to Maple avenues, while Ocean Avenue will be closed from Oak to Church streets.
The roads close at 3:30 p.m. for Alive After Five. The streets typically reopen about 11 p.m.
Hovering helicopter and sniper rifles
Earlier shooting
Below is a photo taken of the massive police response to the shooting in Patchogue that happened just before the start of Alive After Five.
