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

A false alarm of an active shooter disrupted the July 4th celebration at Riverfront Park shortly after 10pm. Officers quickly responded to an altercation near the clocktower, where initial reports suggested a gun was involved, but no shots were fired, and the suspect was found unarmed. As police conducted their investigation, misinformation spread, leading to panic among the crowd. An announcement instructing people to take cover exacerbated the situation, resulting in mass panic. Officers flooded the park but found no evidence of a shooting or victims.

After confirming that public safety was not at risk, officials issued a reverse 911 alert to reassure attendees. The celebration eventually resumed without further incidents, highlighting the importance of accurate communication in emergency situations. This incident underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in managing public safety during large gatherings.