Thousands of cheerleaders, parents, and spectators gathered at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas for the NCA All-Star National Championship from February 28 to March 2. A fight among parents allegedly broke out on March 1 at the cheerleading competition, leaving 10 people physically injured and many others emotionally fractured. At first, many believed they heard gunshots and called the police for help.
The Dallas Police Department quickly responded to the convention center after receiving a report of shots fired. They apparently discovered multiple poles had fallen down, which caused a noise mimicking gunfire. “The noise contributed to panic inside the building, prompting people to rush outside in a stampede,” police noted in a statement.
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Thankfully, no one endured any life-threatening injuries. The NCA told WFAA that when organization officials identify the individuals responsible, they will be banned from attending future events.
Varsity Brands shared a statement with WFAA following the incident that reads in part, “Earlier today, The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center was evacuated as a precaution based on reports of a safety concern. NCA security officials immediately began working with the Dallas Police Department to quickly investigate, which found that the incident was triggered by an altercation between two attendees, which led to panic and multiple non-life-threatening injuries in the aftermath. We want to thank the Dallas Police Department for their help assessing and controlling the situation as well as the first responders who assisted those impacted.”
Parent Glenda White shared a terrifying encounter from the competition on Facebook. She wrote that after hearing “pops,” chaos broke out in the convention center.
As White explained in her post, “We were pushed against the ball wall, at that time a second surge of screaming happened and we were pushed harder, out a single entry doorway, where hundreds are trying to get out of onto the loading dock.”
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She added, “On the loading dock, we hear 3 more pops.. we shove the girls under a semi truck.. and then we see so many start running back towards us. We push the girls in tighter. To see the looks on those girls faces was so gut wrenching.”
Another parent commented, “Scariest parent moment of my life. I never ever want to feel this ever again.”
“It was REAL and traumatizing. I keep trying to explain to my daughter that no matter what the news or anyone says, her feelings were valid and absolutely warranted. It’s hard for anyone to understand the situation without being part of it,” yet another parent chimed in.
White added, “We are all a little broken from this! I’m so incredibly thankful AND PROUD our girls got back up on that mat today. I’m grateful that our family is physically okay, but mentally it will take a moment to get over the scars that will haunt us from this event.”
