Dallas was shaken on Saturday afternoon during the NCA All-Star National Championship at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center when chaos erupted following a fight between parents, leading to widespread panic among attendees. The incident, which occurred around 1 p.m., prompted multiple 911 calls due to fears of gunfire, but police later confirmed there was no active shooter.
The annual championship is one of the most prestigious all-star cheerleading competitions globally, drawing over 30,000 athletes from 43 states and nine countries, expecting to generate about $64 million for the local economy. The atmosphere, often filled with excitement and enthusiasm, quickly transformed when the altercation between two parents escalated, causing several poles to topple and creating loud noises likened to gunfire.
The result of the disruption was immediate and severe. Many spectators and participants, fearing for their safety, rushed to evacuate the venue, resulting in what can only be described as a stampede. A total of ten individuals were transported to local hospitals, suffering from injuries ranging from bruises and scrapes to more serious extremity fractures.
According to Dallas police spokespersons, the origin of the panic was traced to two individuals involved in the initial fight. The clamor of falling poles, rather than gunfire, was the source of much of the distress, illustrating how quickly misunderstandings can spiral out of control. Amid the confusion, law enforcement took swift action and confirmed via social media later the same day, "We can confirm there was no active shooter at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center." Their words aimed to restore calm after the event's chaos.
Among those caught up in the panic was 14-year-old cheerleader Autumn Holub, who recounted the terrifying moment, stating, “I got pushedinto a corner. I fell. My knees are hurting, my hands are hurting. I thought I was going to pass out. I had no clue what I was doing.” Her voice echoed the sentiment of many who fled without knowing where they were heading.
Despite the alarming events of the day, organizers from Varsity Brands responded quickly, working alongside the Dallas Police Department to assess the situation and communicate effectively with the public. They released a statement indicating the convention center's evacuation was precautionary due to the safety concern reports. “NCA security officials immediately began working with the Dallas Police Department to quickly investigate, which found the incident was triggered by the altercation between two attendees, leading to panic and multiple non-life-threatening injuries,” the statement read.
On Sunday morning, the competition resumed, bringing together athletes and attendees with the spirit of camaraderie restored. Varsity Brands confirmed the event continued “with athletes and our crowd in good spirits.”
Videos circulating on social media depicted the moments when cheerleaders, performing live, abruptly hurried off the stage amid the commotion, their routines interrupted by panic. The digital snapshots of fear captured the atmosphere of confusion and the quick thinking of many seeking to escape the perceived danger.
After reviewing the events, officials confirmed no arrests had been made as of yet concerning the fight. The response echoed the need for vigilance at large gatherings, particularly when tensions potentially boil over among participants and spectators alike.
This event marks the 30th year of the NCA All-Star National Championship, which serves as a significant highlight for competitive cheerleading across the globe. The anticipated influx of athletes and families added layers of significance to the occurrence, underlining how unity and community spirit can be tested by unforeseen incidents.
Dallas continues to stand as host for prestigious events, but the incidents serve as reminders of the importance of preparedness and communication within large crowds. The NCA All-Star National Championship traditionally celebrates youth achievement and teamwork, yet this weekend illustrated how quickly those values can be overwhelmed by panic. The focus will now undoubtedly shift back onto the celebration of cheerleaders’ skills and spirit as the championship carries on, united by their shared love for the sport.