Mass panic erupted at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Florida on Thursday night, following a fight and the sound of a popping balloon, which triggered false rumors of an active shooter.
The chaos unfolded just around 10 pm as the park was closing, shortly after the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show ended.
According to the New York Post, the incident began on Main Street when visitors were leaving the park.Suddenly, people began rushing into stores, causing widespread panic.
Kansas pastor Glenn Brady and his family described the scene as chaotic, with security instructing guests to take cover inside the shops.
He said that while he did not feel his life was in immediate danger, the fear among the crowd was palpable, with some people praying and others trying to stay calm amidst the turmoil.
Videos on social media showed the aftermath inside one of the stores, with chairs and items strewn across the floor as frightened guests sought refuge.
“Went to Magic Kingdom today and there was literally a stampede because of a suspected shooter I thought that was actually going to be my last day,” X user “anxrosa” posted alongside the video at 10:16 p.m.
“I was shoved out of the way and fell. Mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was so bad,” the user added.
“There was just a f–king stampede in Magic Kingdom. I think people thought there was a shooter that was the scariest thing I’ve ever been in in my entire life,” another park guest said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office quickly clarified that there was no active shooter. They clarified that the commotion was caused by a fight and the sound of a balloon popping which led to the false shooter rumors.
The department reassured the public through social media, confirming that there was no active shooter at Magic Kingdom.
Police patrolled the area while guests were held in stores. After about 15 minutes, the visitors were allowed to leave and were directed to the parking lot via ferry boats, as the monorail was closed.
A spokesperson for Walt Disney World Resorts thanked the Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and confirmed that normal operations had resumed after the park closed.
Earlier, the day had begun on a high note, with Lake Mary Little League, the 2024 Little League World Series champions, celebrating their victory with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in front of Cinderella’s castle.
The chaos unfolded just around 10 pm as the park was closing, shortly after the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show ended.
According to the New York Post, the incident began on Main Street when visitors were leaving the park.Suddenly, people began rushing into stores, causing widespread panic.
Kansas pastor Glenn Brady and his family described the scene as chaotic, with security instructing guests to take cover inside the shops.
He said that while he did not feel his life was in immediate danger, the fear among the crowd was palpable, with some people praying and others trying to stay calm amidst the turmoil.
Videos on social media showed the aftermath inside one of the stores, with chairs and items strewn across the floor as frightened guests sought refuge.
“Went to Magic Kingdom today and there was literally a stampede because of a suspected shooter I thought that was actually going to be my last day,” X user “anxrosa” posted alongside the video at 10:16 p.m.
“I was shoved out of the way and fell. Mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was so bad,” the user added.
“There was just a f–king stampede in Magic Kingdom. I think people thought there was a shooter that was the scariest thing I’ve ever been in in my entire life,” another park guest said.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office quickly clarified that there was no active shooter. They clarified that the commotion was caused by a fight and the sound of a balloon popping which led to the false shooter rumors.
The department reassured the public through social media, confirming that there was no active shooter at Magic Kingdom.
Police patrolled the area while guests were held in stores. After about 15 minutes, the visitors were allowed to leave and were directed to the parking lot via ferry boats, as the monorail was closed.
A spokesperson for Walt Disney World Resorts thanked the Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and confirmed that normal operations had resumed after the park closed.
Earlier, the day had begun on a high note, with Lake Mary Little League, the 2024 Little League World Series champions, celebrating their victory with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in front of Cinderella’s castle.