Loud noise causes panic, stampede at Dallas cheer competition, police say

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Keri and Devon Treasure in Dallas for the cheer competition. (Keri Treasure)

DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department said they were responding to an "incident" at approximately 1 p.m. at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Saturday and had to set up a family reunification center. The department confirmed that there was no active shooter at the convention center, which was hosting the National Cheerleaders Association All-Star Championship. In a later update, the Dallas Police Department said two people got into a fight, causing poles to fall down and make a loud noise. Police were called for reports of an active shooter, but no shooting took place, the department said. However, there were multiple non-life-threatening injuries when crowds of people rushed out of the building. Several Utahns were in the building at the time, including South Jordan residents Keri Treasure and her 13-year-old daughter, Devon, who is part of Mac’s Cheer. “It was just total pandemonium, and we didn’t know where our kids were,” Keri Treasure said. “You could tell there was panic and someone just yelled 'there’s an active shooter.'” Keri and Devon were in separate rooms at the time.“At first I didn’t know what was happening, cause my coaches were just telling me to run,” Devon said. Keri said she and others hid in a bathroom before evacuating outside, eventually able to reunite with her daughter. “I can’t even put into words; it was just a huge relief,” Keri said. At 2:41 p.m., Dallas Police posted on X that “no shooting occurred,” but multiple non-life-threatening injuries happened during the chaos. “Everybody was tripping and falling,” Devon said. “I guess it would be fair to at least say how grateful we are to our coaches who took these girls under their wings and made sure that they were safe,” Keri said. Activities were suspended for the rest of the day but event organizers said the competition would continue on Sunday. 13-year-old Devon told KSL TV that despite what happened today, she's worked hard and wants to see it through.

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