Huber Heights, OH – A fireworks celebration at Thomas Cloud Park on Saturday night turned chaotic when a false alarm about a shooter sparked widespread panic and a mass stampede, prompting an emergency response from law enforcement and alarming hundreds of attendees.

Around 9:45 p.m., during the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display, attendees began fleeing en masse after someone reportedly shouted “shooter” in the crowd.

The unconfirmed warning quickly spread through the packed park, resulting in confusion, fear, and a large-scale rush for the exits.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene. “It was chaos. People were screaming and running in every direction. It felt like a stampede,” said one attendee. “My nephew, his girlfriend, and their two kids were right near the commotion. They had to grab the kids and run.”

Multiple social media users shared similar accounts, expressing concern over people being trampled and noting the heavy police presence that followed.

Rumors of gunfire added to the confusion, though no confirmed reports of a shooting were substantiated.

In a statement issued late Saturday night, Mayor Jeff Gore addressed the situation directly:

“I have been in communication with our Chief of Police this evening from Cloud Park. I can confirm there was no active shooter and no shots fired. Someone in the crowd yelled ‘shooter,’ which unfortunately spread quickly and caused a panic. People understandably began running, but again — there was no threat, no weapon, and no shots fired.”

Emergency personnel arrived quickly and began securing the scene.

Police helped evacuate the area and tended to those who may have fallen or been injured during the rush.

As of this report, no serious injuries have been confirmed.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and continuing to gather witness statements to fully understand what led to the false alarm.

Officials have also encouraged anyone with information or video from the incident to contact the Huber Heights Police Department.

The city is urging calm and reminding residents to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media.

Additional updates will be provided as they become available.