Chaos erupted at a cheer competition in Dallas, Texas, causing panic among attendees.
The 2025 NCA All-Star National Championship was being held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, an event that drew more than 58,000 people for a three-day cheer competition, which is considered the last and biggest of the competitive cheer season. The participants ranged from toddlers to college-age cheerleaders, with at least five Houston-area cheer gyms in attendance.
Around 1 p.m., Dallas police responded to calls of an active shooter. However, their investigation revealed that a fight between two individuals led to several poles being knocked down, creating a loud noise that was mistaken for gunshots. This misunderstanding triggered panic inside the convention center.
One parent described the scene as hundreds of parents and cheerleaders hid behind tables and chairs, fearing a shooter was inside. The panic escalated into a stampede, with people fleeing to nearby hotels and businesses. The chaos resulted in cheerleaders being separated from their parents, prompting the establishment of a reunification center near the convention center.
Dallas police reported multiple non-life-threatening injuries.
All competitions were completed before the incident, so families are now waiting for the final awards ceremonies before heading home. The NCA suspended competitions for the day, but a mother of a competitor told KPRC 2 that she was told they will resume tomorrow.
