At least 10 people suffered injuries during a chaotic scene at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center on Saturday. The incident started with a fight between two individuals, leading to a stampede as people scrambled for safety during a national cheerleading competition.
Dallas police received reports of an active shooter around 1 p.m. and sent multiple units to the scene. However, they quickly determined that there was no shooter; the chaos had begun due to the fight, which resulted in people knocking over poles and causing panic. Witnesses described the scene as frightening as the crowd rushed outside, fearing for their safety.
According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, those injured include individuals with non-life-threatening injuries like bruises and fractures. Police confirmed the injuries were mostly sustained during the stampede, as people hurried to escape the situation.
Dallas officials have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat at the convention center. A reunification center was set up nearby for those looking for friends or family separated in the chaos. About 30 to 40 people gathered around the Dallas police headquarters later in the afternoon, anxiously trying to find their loved ones.
City Council Member Jesse Moreno, whose district includes the convention center, expressed his gratitude for the police response. He stressed that safety measures were taken to ensure everyone’s well-being, and he is monitoring the situation closely.
The cheerleading competition, celebrating its 30th anniversary, was a major event, drawing over 30,000 athletes, coaches, and supporters. Many families had traveled to Dallas for the occasion, including Mandy Danley from Houston, who described the panic as everyone was told to drop to the floor and hide against the walls. Her daughter Madalyn, 16, recalled the fear and confusion among her teammates as they witnessed the stampede.
Others, like Celia Morton from Tulsa, experienced similar moments of fear, locked in a room for about ten minutes before authorities allowed them to leave. Families and friends ended up reconnecting at the police’s reunification center, sharing stories of their frightening experiences amid the panic.
Local authorities are still gathering details about the incident, and while events for the day were suspended, organizers plan to continue the competition on Sunday. They are actively working with law enforcement to investigate and ensure a safe environment for all participants and attendees.
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