At least 10 people were injured after a fight between two adults at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center triggered a stampede at the NCA All-Star Nationals cheerleading competition.
Dallas Police initially responded to reports of an active shooter around 1 p.m. but later confirmed that no shots were fired. Instead, a loud noise caused by knocked-over poles led to panic, causing attendees to rush for the exits.
Key Updates:
- 10 people were treated for injuries, including bruises, scrapes, and extremity fractures.
- Dallas Police confirmed the incident stemmed from a parent altercation, not an active shooter.
- Emergency alerts were sent, and nearby buildings went on lockdown, including the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Chaos
Families and cheerleaders described terrifying moments as the situation unfolded.
Madalyn Danley, 16, recalled her team being ordered to drop to the floor and press against the wall as people ran.
“All these people were running and just pushing each other out of the way, and I didn’t know what was happening,” said Mandy Danley, 51, who traveled from Houston for the event.
Celia Morton, 16, of Tulsa, recounted being locked in a room with her teammates, only to emerge and witness people who had been trampled in the rush to escape.
“One of my teammates and her mom were actually on the floor being trampled, and I kind of just blocked them a little bit, helped them up with a chair,” Morton said.
Darwin Buenaventura, 47, from New Jersey, said he saw a woman unconscious on the floor with blood near her after being caught in the crowd surge.
NCA Suspends Saturday’s Events, Competition to Resume Sunday
Varsity Spirit, the event organizer, announced that all competition was suspended for the remainder of Saturday but will resume Sunday with enhanced security measures.
“We are working with hotel staff, event staff, and local authorities to ensure a safe environment,” said Varsity Brands spokesperson Brian Bianco.
Some teams may choose to leave early, but officials have reassured attendees that they will have the opportunity to finish competing if they choose to stay.
Police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made. The convention center will reopen later today for attendees to collect belongings left behind during the evacuation.
