DALLAS - On Saturday afternoon, March 1, 2025, the Dallas Police Department responded to reports of danger at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, which was hosting the annual National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) All-Star National Championship. Eyewitnesses captured footage of crowds running from the convention center, prompting immediate police action and the evacuation of the venue.
Initially, reports circulated on social media claiming there had been a shooting, leading to widespread panic among attendees. The Dallas Police quickly responded, urging the public to "avoid this area" and confirming they had established a family reunification center at 400 N. Lamar Street for those separated during the chaos. The department stated on X, "Dallas Police are investigating an incident near the Omni Hotel and Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Please avoid this area. A family reunification center has been established at Dallas Police Headquarters, 1400 Botham Jean Blvd." This information was disseminated as officers flooded the area to manage the situation.
Fortunately, the fears surrounding the incident were largely unfounded. At approximately 2:35 p.m., police confirmed there was no active shooter at the convention center, stating clearly, "We can confirm there was no active shooter at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. More information will follow when it becomes available." This statement eased concerns but came after many had already fled the building under the impression of immediate danger.
According to local news sources, the panic was triggered by reports of fights among parents at the event, which escalated to chaos and crushes of people attempting to evacuate. Witnesses described seeing children and cheerleaders running through the streets of downtown Dallas, many still clad in their cheerleading uniforms as they navigated the crowds and police presence. Videos distributed across social media showcased the frantic scenes as police vehicles raced to the convention center.
The Varsity Brands, which organizes the NCA competition, released their own statement later confirming the evacuation and expressing their collaboration with law enforcement. "The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center has been evacuated as a precaution based on reports of a safety concern. NCA security officials are working with law enforcement to quickly investigate these reports. We have suspended activities for today and will continue to work with event staff and local authorities to maintain safety as we assess the situation and plan our resumption of the events," the organization said, reflecting the seriousness with which they approached the situation.
While the incident caused significant disruption, including temporary closures and evictions from the surrounding area, police reassured the public as they resumed normal operations. DART, which operates public transportation routes nearby, initially halted services but later resumed normal operations though they warned of possible delays due to police activity. Their communications indicated they were managing the effects of the incident.
The swift response from Dallas Police illustrated their preparedness for such emergencies, as officials worked earnestly to diffuse tension and maintain public safety during the turmoil. The situation is still developing, and authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events leading to the incident. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported, but officials are taking all precautionary measures to address any safety concerns going forward.
"We will update the public as more details become available, and we thank everyone for their cooperation and patience during this hectic time," stated the police department. The incident serves as both a reminder of the necessity for rapid law enforcement response and the importance of clear communication during emergencies.