False active shooter alert causes panic at Disney

Saturday, 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.

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