Parents threw punches that sparked a panic at a national cheerleading championship, leaving multiple injured and causing chaos as thousands fled the Dallas venue. What was supposed to be a weekend of competitive spirit quickly devolved into mayhem, punctuated by false reports of gunfire.
At a Glance
- A fight among parents at the NCA All-Star National Championship in Dallas caused widespread panic
- Loud noises from falling poles were mistaken for gunshots, triggering a mass evacuation
- Ten people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries ranging from bumps to fractures
- Saturday’s competition was canceled but resumed on Sunday as participants showed resilience
- The prestigious event draws over 30,000 athletes from 43 states and 9 countries
Parents’ Brawl Triggers Mass Panic
What began as a parent altercation at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center quickly escalated into a scene of chaos at one of America’s largest cheerleading competitions. The fight, which broke out during Saturday’s events, created loud noises that sent thousands of attendees scrambling for safety amid unfounded fears of an active shooter.
Multiple 911 calls reporting possible gunfire brought a significant police response to the scene. Authorities quickly determined there was no active shooter, but by then, the damage was done. The convention center had erupted into what witnesses described as a “stampede” as attendees fled in terror, leaving behind personal belongings in their rush to escape.
Injuries and Aftermath
The chaotic evacuation resulted in ten people requiring hospitalization, though thankfully none suffered life-threatening injuries. Dallas emergency responders were on the scene quickly to provide assistance to those caught in the panic. The incident forced organizers to cancel the remainder of Saturday’s competition and evacuate the building.
The fear and confusion were palpable as participants and their families tried to locate one another amid the panic. Event officials established a family reunification center at 400 North Lamar Street to help reconnect separated families. For many, the experience was terrifying, especially for younger cheerleaders who became separated from their parents in the rush.
Parents and Participants Describe Terrifying Scene
Those who witnessed the incident described moments of sheer terror as people fled in all directions. Parents frantically searched for their children while competitors who had been preparing for their routines suddenly found themselves caught in a stampede. The orderly competition atmosphere dissolved in seconds as survival instincts took over.
“The moms were sitting there and all I know was we were just looking around and people were screaming — running, jumping off all the bleachers,” said one attendee.
Another parent, Joyce Sterling, recounted the terrifying moments trying to reconnect with her daughter: “She was in all-out panic trying to find me. She was like, ‘I’m outside, I’m outside.’ We were still inside, and we saw people running everywhere. It was just mayhem. It was crazy.” The separation of families during the chaos only heightened the sense of fear and urgency.
Competition Continues Despite Setback
In a testament to the resilience of the cheerleading community, the prestigious competition resumed on Sunday. While some teams opted not to compete following the frightening incident, many returned to the convention center determined to finish what they started. The NCA All-Star National Championship, which offers winners a share of $500,000 in cash and prizes, pushed forward despite the previous day’s disruption.
The event, which draws over 30,000 athletes from 43 states and 9 countries, is expected to generate $64 million for the Dallas economy. As the investigation continues into the parent altercation that sparked the panic, NCA security officials are working closely with law enforcement. No arrests have been reported in connection with the initial fight that triggered the chaos.
