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

On July 4th, shortly after 10pm, an altercation near the clocktower in Riverfront Park sparked a false report of an active shooter during the city's holiday festivities. Officers on-site quickly contacted a male associated with the incident, who was found unarmed, and no victims reported any crime. As police conducted their investigation, misinformation circulated through the crowd, escalating the situation as attendees began fleeing the area. A loudspeaker announcement advising people to take cover intensified the panic, causing mass confusion. Officers were deployed throughout the park to ensure safety, but they found no evidence of a shooting.

After confirming there was no threat, authorities issued a reverse 911 text to notify residents of the situation. The incident highlights the potential for misinformation to create chaos during public events. Ultimately, the celebration continued without further incidents, demonstrating the effectiveness of the police response.