Chaos erupted at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) All-Star National Championship in Dallas after loud noises triggered panic among attendees, with many fearing an active shooter situation. The event, held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, saw thousands of cheerleaders, coaches, and families rushing to evacuate as authorities responded swiftly to the scene.
What Happened?
According to eyewitnesses and local police reports, a physical altercation between two individuals resulted in metal poles being knocked over, creating loud, sudden noises. Mistaking the sound for gunfire, attendees began running, leading to widespread panic inside and outside the convention center.
Key details of the incident:
- No shots were fired, according to the Dallas Police Department (DPD).
- Several people sustained minor injuries due to the rush to evacuate.
- Authorities temporarily halted the event and cleared the venue to ensure safety.
- A family reunification center was set up at 400 North Lamar Street for those separated during the incident.
Eyewitness Accounts & Social Media Reaction
Videos quickly circulated on social media showing crowds of people running while emergency sirens blared in the background. Some parents described frantic phone calls from their children inside the venue, fearing the worst.
One attendee, Samantha R., a coach from Houston, stated:
"One second, we were cheering—then the next, people were screaming and running. It was terrifying because nobody knew what was happening."
Law Enforcement & Event Response
Dallas police responded within minutes, securing the area and confirming that there was no active threat. They later issued a statement:
"There was no active shooter at the event. The loud noise caused panic, leading to injuries from the crowd movement. Our officers remain on-site to ensure safety."
Following the incident, the NCA temporarily suspended the competition for the day and worked with authorities to reinforce security measures.
What’s Next?
- The NCA event is expected to resume, but with increased security and safety protocols.
- Dallas Police continues to investigate the altercation that led to the panic.
- Event organizers are urging attendees to remain calm and follow emergency protocols in case of future incidents.
This false alarm highlights the heightened public sensitivity to potential threats and the importance of clear communication in crowded events.