A brawl broke out at the NCA All-Star National Competition on March 1st, 2025, sparking panic as many feared there had been a shooting. The incident caused chaos at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas, where more than 58,000 attendees had gathered for multiple cheer competitions. After the Dallas Police Department (DPD) investigated, they confirmed there had been no shooting—only a misunderstanding triggered by a loud noise.
Commotion erupted around 1 p.m. when attendees heard a series of loud bangs. These noises were believed to be gunshots, causing widespread panic and a stampede as people rushed to evacuate the facility. In the rush to escape, at least ten individuals were trampled and hospitalized with injuries such as scars, bruises, and extremity fractures.
The traumatic nature of the event left a strong emotional impact. Cheerleader Ally Wells recounted, “Parents were crying, coaches were super scared. One of my coaches actually had to go to the hospital. She got trampled,” she told WFYM News 2.
Emergency responders, including police and paramedics, arrived quickly to assist with evacuations and attend to the injured. As the Dallas Police Department secured the scene and launched an investigation, more officers arrived to assess the situation and interview witnesses.
After a thorough investigation, the DPD concluded there was no evidence of gunfire or an active shooter. The source of the loud noises was traced back to a physical altercation between two adult men. During their fight, they knocked over large metal poles, which created the banging sounds mistaken for gunshots.
According to Dallas News, “… no arrests had been made in the case and the investigation was still ongoing.” Although many attendees were unharmed, the psychological toll lingered. The competition was canceled for the rest of Saturday and postponed to Sunday, though many parents stated they and their children would not return due to safety concerns.
An event meant to celebrate the talents and spirit of young cheerleaders became a moment of fear and confusion. While most were physically safe, the memory of that day remains, with hopes that such a situation never occurs again.
