False active shooter alert causes panic at Disney

Friday, 30 Aug, 2024 0

The sound of a ‘popping balloon’ caused a chaotic stampede of theme park guests at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

It caused people to flee the area fearing in was a gunshot.

Panic soon spread with screams and talk of an active shooter.

It was especially unfortunate timing as the balloon popped right at the time two guests were in a physical altercation.

People took cover while others ran into shops.

Police were on the scene quickly and the sheriff’s department confirmed in a X post t there was no active shooter.

“A fight occurred, and a ‘popping’ sound was heard that we believe was a balloon. Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started.”

Video footage posted online showed guests trying to exit Magic Kingdom, and others hiding out in shops.

Normal park operations were able to resume a short time later, a Walt Disney World spokesperson said.

“We appreciate the response of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to quickly assess and clear the situation,” Walt Disney World said in a statement Thursday evening.

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

If you’re thinking of cruising, there’s a very good chance you’re considering a Carnival cruise. Growing since our founding in...

WANDERERS WELCOME to MISSISSIPPI Mississippi is a state for all those who are wanderers at heart. From lush, forested Appalachian foothills to...

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels...

Via Croatia is a concierge-type, full-service luxury DMC working exclusively with travel agents and luxury tour operators. With 20 years...

We work with reliable data providers with global coverage, that guarantee data representativeness as well as compliance with International Personal...

NSW, Australia Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official...

The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) is the only organization that promotes metro Detroit regionally, nationally and...

Here at Elegant Resorts, luxury travel is in our DNA. True pioneers in the industry, we were the first specialist...

For over 18 years and over 106 completed events, the Travel & Adventure Show has connected over 2.5 million travel...

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and...

The Florida Keys and Key West is a 126 mile long string of Islands connected to South Florida by the...

To say Sweden is fit for a fairy tale is not overstating it—the palaces dazzle, the boreal forests are brimming...

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools...