Dupage Policy Journal

Following a chaotic "flash mob" takeover of Sunset Pool by more than 200 people from Chicago, Glen Ellyn Park District Executive Director Dave Thommes is addressing public concerns and outlining the district’s next steps to ensure safety moving forward.

The incident involved an estimated 200–300 teens and young adults reportedly forcing their way into the facility without paying, bringing in alcohol, cannabis, speakers and fireworks. 

“The safety of our guests and staff is always our top priority,” Thommes said in an email to the DuPage Policy Journal. “We are working closely with the Glen Ellyn Police Department and other local agencies to evaluate all aspects of our response and operations—from admissions policies to staff training—to identify further measures that can help prevent and manage similar situations in the future.” 

Screenshot from a video showing Sunset Pool manager Christine Giunta-Mayer being fished out after being pushed into the pool. (Source: Instagram / duffyclipzz)

Sunset Pool Manager Christine Giunta-Mayer, who also coaches volleyball at Glenbard West, was shoved into the pool during the disturbance, though she was not injured.

“On July 5, the Glen Ellyn Park District made the decision to close Sunset Pool early due to a large group engaging in disruptive and unsafe behavior that violated Park District rules and ordinances,” Thommes said. “The Glen Ellyn Police Department and other agencies responded quickly and professionally, ensuring the facility was safely cleared.” 

Thommes reaffirmed that park personnel are equipped to respond to emergencies. 

“Staff are trained in emergency response and de-escalation,” he said. “Supervisors and local law enforcement are contacted immediately when safety concerns arise.” 

Thommes said as the situation rapidly escalated, park staff acted decisively to protect guests and restore order.  

“Staff quickly implemented our emergency response plan and contacted the Glen Ellyn Police Department, who responded promptly,” he said. “The facility was then safely cleared and closed early.” 

In the aftermath, the park district has implemented new entry requirements, including mandatory physical pool passes. An investigation is ongoing, and additional security measures are being considered to prevent future incidents.

Weed, Miller Lite, and 'on the rocks cosmos'

The flash mob was originally advertised on Facebook as a “31st Beach” event in Naperville—referencing Chicago’s popular South Side beach scene—but was redirected to Glen Ellyn at the last minute.  

Videos posted online show the caravan of vehicles driving toward pool grounds, with people hanging out of cars, seated on the edge of windows, while twerking to booming music.

On Saturday afternoon, a Facebook user reported the pool as “now closed.”

“The Sunset Pool has been overwhelmed by out of town kids,” they wrote. “Fireworks fired into pool. It’s a tik tok meet up / take over according to police I just spoke to.”

“Kids pushed (past) the gates. Lot of drinking and weed in the parking lot. 100s and 100s of kids. No joke. Pushed manager into the pool,” the Facebook user wrote.

"They were drinking and smoking weed and swearing a lot," a Glen Ellyn teen present at the pool at the time told DuPage Policy Journal. "Someone threw a lit cigar into the pool."

Witnesses described reckless behavior and disregard for other pool-goers. 

"I saw Miller Lite bottles and girls drinking on-the-rocks cosmos," the teen said. "They were taking people's stuff and moving it from their pool chairs."

The scale and disorder resulting from the mob overwhelmed park staff, leading the Glen Ellyn Park District to immediately shut down the facility and evacuate all guests.   

Arrest made after 'unruly and illegal behavior' prompts mutual aid, evacuation of park district

"Due to the unruly and illegal behavior of several attendees, the park district chose to close the pool early. Officers from several neighboring jurisdictions assisted with the evacuation of the park," a statement from Glen Ellyn police read, in part. 

Police arrested 19-year-old Beverly native Jahad K. Henderson on July 5 for allegedly shooting fireworks into the pool and fleeing the scene.  

Henderson, whose first court appearance was on the day of his arrest, is charged with use of fireworks, obstructing an officer, improper U-turn on a roadway and driving with expired registration. He was the only suspect taken into custody stemming from the mass disturbance. 

The former track and field athlete who attended Leo High School, before transferring to Kenwood Academy High School, was at one time committed to South Carolina State University but is not listed on the school’s 2024 roster. 

Henderson helped lead Kenwood to multiple Chicago Public League track titles in 2023. His sister Kori Henderson also excelled in track for Whitney Young. 

Their mother, Kimberly Henderson, is an assistant principal with Chicago Public Schools. 

In 2016, then Oglesby Elementary School Principal Kimberly Henderson told DNA Info about her success using "weekly meetings with... sixth through eighth graders" to calm students and stop them from fighting.

“Kids were accustomed to fighting all the time, and so I had to put some things into place,” she said at the time.

Henderson's next court hearing is scheduled for July 31.