Dallas cheer competition resumes after fight among parents, not a shooting, led to massive police response at Dallas convention center
The annual NCA All-Star National Championship in Dallas took an unexpected turn on Saturday when a fight among parents led to widespread panic at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. The cheerleading event, which draws thousands of athletes and their families, was momentarily overshadowed by fear and chaos.
Dallas police responded to the scene following reports of an altercation between attendees. While initial social media speculation raised concerns about a potential shooting, authorities quickly clarified that no shots were fired. The Dallas Police Department (DPD) later confirmed on their official X account that there was no active shooter at the convention center.
According to a statement from the police, the commotion stemmed from a fight between two individuals. During the altercation, several poles were knocked over, creating a loud noise that startled attendees. The sudden noise triggered panic, causing a stampede as people rushed out of the building in fear. Multiple individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the ensuing chaos.
The alarming scene saw people fleeing onto the streets of downtown Dallas, just blocks away from the WFAA news station. Videos circulating on social media showed the aftermath, with families waiting outside the convention center and emergency alarms still flashing inside hours later.
Despite the turmoil, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the fight and the subsequent panic.
In response to the situation, Varsity Brands, the company responsible for organizing the NCA cheer competition, issued a statement. They acknowledged the incident and praised the quick response of the Dallas Police Department and first responders. The company reassured attendees that safety measures were in place and confirmed that the competition would continue as scheduled on Sunday.
For many families, however, the fear lingered. Some decided not to return to the competition the next day, opting instead to prioritize their safety. Others expressed frustration over the confusion and chaos, emphasizing how quickly the situation spiraled out of control.
The NCA All-Star National Championship is one of the largest cheerleading competitions in the country, bringing together top athletes from across the nation. Events like these are typically high-energy and filled with excitement, but Saturday’s incident served as a reminder of how quickly things can change.
While the event continued as planned on Sunday, the previous day’s scare left a lasting impression on those who experienced it. As Dallas authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring that future events are secure and that such incidents do not repeat themselves.
The chaotic moments at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center highlighted the power of social media in spreading information—sometimes inaccurately—as well as the importance of staying calm in uncertain situations. Moving forward, event organizers and attendees alike will likely be more mindful of safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
For now, the cheerleaders are back to doing what they came for—competing on the national stage, hoping to leave behind the unexpected events of Saturday and focus on their passion for the sport.
