Loud Pops, Rumored to be Gunshots, Create Chaos at the DC Pride Parade, Several Sustain Minor Injuries

The DC Pride Parade in Washington turned into a chaos when loud pops, thought to be gunshots, created panic among the people and sent them running through the streets. Police said several people sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital.

Guillermo Rivera, a commander with the Metropolitan Police Department, said officers attending the scene reported people saying shots had been fired. He said the police apprehended a man with a handgun but there was no evidence that shots were fired. Rivera said the man has been charged with gun possession.

Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that no shots had been fired. USA Today quoted her saying that the fire department personnel were on the scene to treat minor injuries due to the reports of a shooting. The Deputy Mayor for public safety, Kevin Donahue, tweetedthat there is no active shooter at Dunpont Circle. “There are injuries from people running from what they thought were gunshots. But there is no active shooter at Dunpont Circle.”

Panic at the Pride Parade quickly swept across the area as well as social media. The Fire Service confirmed treating seven people for injuries sustained when they were trampled or knocked over as people tried to flee the area.

NBCWashington said more than 200 contingents representing non-profits, community organizations, companies and government agencies flooded the 1.5 mile parade route through Dunpont and Logan circles at 4.30 p.m.

The president, Ashley Smith of Capital Pride Alliance, said he saw people running toward him from Dunpont Circle. “We cannot allow this incident to ruin the Pride celebration going on this weekend. We are very focused on wanting to make sure we continue to have a great event for the rest of the weekend,” Smith said they spent long hours planning security procedures.

Thousands of supporters dressed in rainbows participated in the parade to laud gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, queer, non-binary friends and neighbors to celebrate the colorful spectrum of sexuality and identity.