False report of a shooting causes temporary delay at Riverfront Park during 4th of July celebration

A disturbance at Riverfront Park during the July 4th celebration led to widespread panic due to a false report of an active shooter. Officers quickly contacted a male involved in the altercation, who was unarmed, and no victim was identified. As chaos unfolded, an announcement instructed attendees to take cover, prompting a mass exodus from the park. Officers flooded the area but confirmed no shooting had occurred. Following their assessment, SPD sent a reverse 911 message to reassure the public that there was no ongoing threat.

The incident, while alarming, ended without injury or further disruption to the festivities. Community safety protocols were activated, demonstrating the city's preparedness for emergencies. The celebration continued, reflecting resilience in the face of misinformation.