False report of a shooting causes temporary delay at Riverfront Park

A false report of a shooting disrupted the Fourth of July celebration at Riverfront Park, causing significant chaos. Just after 10 p. m. , an altercation near the clocktower led to rumors of gunfire, although no shots were actually fired. Officers quickly identified a male involved in the altercation, who was unarmed, and no victims came forward to report a crime.

As police worked to contain the situation, misinformation about an active shooter spread through the crowd, prompting a frantic evacuation. The Spokane Police Department had officers stationed throughout the park, which helped to maintain order despite the confusion. An announcement advising people to take cover added to the panic, illustrating the critical impact of communication during emergencies. This incident underlines the importance of clear messaging in public safety situations to prevent unnecessary fear and chaos. The police are reviewing their response to improve protocols for future events.