UPDATE: 5:34 p.m., March 1, 2025:
The Dallas Express reported that on Saturday at approximately 1:00 p.m., the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas became the scene of a chaotic incident that prompted widespread panic among attendees.
Initially, there were reports indicating the presence of an active shooter within the facility. However, the Dallas Police Department, in a preliminary investigation, reported that several poles had been knocked down during a physical altercation between two individuals. This unexpected noise and disturbance caused a rush of people inside the convention center to flee in a chaotic stampede.
As a result, the Dallas Police Department confirmed that several individuals sustained multiple non-life-threatening injuries while trying to exit the building.
The venue was hosting the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) All-Star Championship this weekend. As per NCA representatives, the competition has been halted for the remainder of the day.
Despite DPD assuring the public that no shots were fired and the noise was caused by falling poles, many took to social media to tell a different story.
“We heard 3 shots go off and everyone started running. DPD came in with their AK’s out and started escorting people out,” posted Christian Henderson on Facebook.
“Nah I was there and that was definitely gunshots, u can hear them in some of the videos goin around!! The way they’re responding to this situation it’s damn sure more than parents fightin…smh but they already lyin and coverin sh*t up,” Brittany Nichole added on Facebook.
“Now falling poles sound like gun shots??? Since when? There are videos and witnesses. This is disgusting,” added Kimberly Archie on X.
The Dallas Express will continue to follow this developing story.
UPDATE: 3:44 p.m., March 1, 2025:
Update regarding incident at 650 S. Griffin Street. pic.twitter.com/GxNGrhy3pk
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) March 1, 2025
UPDATE: 2:33 p.m., March 1, 2025 — The Dallas Police Department has confirmed that there was no active shooter at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
DALLAS — On Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas was evacuated following a disturbance during the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) All-Star National Championship.
Dallas police responded to reports of a fight near the convention center and the adjacent Omni Hotel around 1 p.m.
Dallas Police are investigating an incident near the Omni Hotel and Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. Please avoid this area.
A family reunification center has been established at Dallas Police Headquarters, 1400 Botham Jean Blvd.
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) March 1, 2025
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, leading to panic and the evacuation of attendees. However, police sources indicated that no shots were fired during the incident.
The Dallas Police Department established a family reunification center at its headquarters, 1400 Botham Jean Blvd., to assist parents and athletes.
The NCA All-Star National Championship is celebrating its 30th anniversary in Dallas. It hosts over 1,700 teams, more than 30,000 athletes, and 3,700 coaches from 43 states and nine countries.
The event is estimated to generate $64 million in economic impact for the city.
As of Saturday afternoon, authorities had not released details concerning possible injuries or arrests related to the incident.
The situation is under investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.