Fights and burst balloons caused widespread panic and “mob violence” at Walt Disney World theme park in Florida on Thursday night as police responded to false rumors of an active shooter.
According to reports, the terrifying moment occurred inside the Magic Kingdom at around 10pm, when the park closes for the night.
Videos posted on social media showed shops in the park littered with chairs and other items that had fallen from exhibits as frightened and confused visitors fled.
“I went to the Magic Kingdom today and there was literally a mob storming in because of a suspected shooter and I thought today was going to be my last day there,” she said. X User “anxrosa” Posted with video at 10:16 p.m.
“I was pushed around and fell, mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was awful,” the user added.
“It was just chaos at the Magic Kingdom. I think people thought there was a shooting. It was the most frightening thing I've ever experienced in my life.” Another park visitor He said.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office was quick to deny the rumors of a shooting, claiming the chaotic situation was the result of a fight and an ill-timed balloon burst.
“There was no active shooter at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. A fight broke out and sounds like balloons popping were heard,” police said. posted on social media. “Customers were fleeing and rumors of a shooter were spreading. There was no shooter.”
Park patrons who ran into the store were detained inside while police “patrolled the streets and investigated everything.”
Guests were finally let out after 15 minutes and taken to a “ferry boat,” one of the park's water transportation services, in the absence of a monorail or buses, anxrosa said in a follow-up post.
“A lot of people are pretty upset and we have no explanation,” the user added.
The Magic Kingdom closed at 10 p.m. Thursday.
“We appreciate the swift response of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, who quickly assessed and resolved the situation. Normal operations have resumed and the parks have been closed for the night,” a Walt Disney World Resort spokesperson said. According to WKMG.
