The D.C. government and residents were surprised Thursday night by a nearly 15-minute burst of fireworks, launched from the Potomac River near Arlington, Virginia.

The fireworks began around 7:30 p.m., and came from a barge near the Kennedy Center and Theodore Roosevelt Island in the river.

The Coast Guard was aware of the display and posted a notice about the temporary safety zone around the fireworks barge in the Federal Register.

But the D.C. Council was not aware of the impending fireworks show.

“We had no advance notice of the fireworks, but apparently the Coast Guard did,” the D.C. Council posted on X at 7:35 p.m., in the middle of the show.

City fire and emergency officials were aware through the fire marshal but did not publicize the show, according to WJLA-TV.

One user on X, Ken Kocher, claimed to be at the event that put on the fireworks: a grand opening for a new building in Rosslyn by Canadian software security company Genetec.

On the company’s website, a link to a video from WTTG-TV confirmed that Genetec put on the fireworks to celebrate the new building.

Genetec announced the new building in August. It is meant to serve as a U.S. flagship showcasing Genetec’s products.

“With the opening of our experience center in this strategic location, we’re continuing to expand our global footprint to give our channel partners, technology partners, and end users an opportunity to experience first-hand the innovative technology and solutions that Genetec has to offer,” Genetec Vice President of Global Sales Michel Chalouhi said at the time.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.