Brockton City Council Approves FIFA Watch Party Health Grant 7-2 Despite Safety Concerns

BROCKTON — June 22, 2026 — Brockton City Council voted 7-2 to accept a $14,301.22 public health grant for FIFA World Cup watch parties, with the decision overshadowed by a violent episode the previous night. The grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, introduced as a late file by Councillor Thompson and presented by Dr. Shante McCullough of Health and Human Services, will fund hand-washing stations, trash receptacles, and misting tents at Campanelli Stadium events on June 24 and June 26. Councillors Rita Farwell and Paul Griffin voted no, citing the absence of police and fire officials to address safety planning; Farwell said, "If we're going to do these things under suspension of the rules, let's have the right people in here with the good doctor to talk about the ramifications of what we're doing." Councillor Nicastro, in a formal statement during the recognition period, reported that an impromptu gathering of more than 1,000 people in Ward 4 the night before had produced seven shootings, two stabbings, and two arrests within 30 minutes, and that combined policing costs for two such events now exceeded $100,000 — well beyond the $50,000 tourism grant the council transferred to police during the same meeting.