The tragedy on March 2, in Dallas, TX, at the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) competition, is the most recent indication of the difficult times of gun violence in our country. Ten were injured, and thousands were traumatized. Increases in shootings at sporting events of all levels have created a need for more intensive security measures at these events.
Reports say it is unclear what the cause of the “boom” was. There is speculation that it was a pole falling as a result of a nasty fight between parents; however, at the time, it was believed to be an active shooter. The stampede was formed before confirmation of a shooter. This is the upsetting result of the normality of shootings. It is so disturbing to know people in America will hear a loud “boom” sound and run for their lives under the belief they are just another victim in an active shooting.
This particular stampeding incident occurred at what was meant to be a happy place for cheerleaders. NCA is one of the biggest competitions for All-Star Athletes; nevertheless, NCA 2025 turned into the latest active shooter possible false alarm. NCA competing athlete Kyla Perry, an athlete competing at NCA, “I was so terrified I didn’t want to go back to compete on day 2.”
The panic began with a loud series of “booms” at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, where word spread rapidly that there was a shooter at large. Evacuations began, stampedes formed, and injuries were sustained.
Although the shooting is not confirmed, many recall the event as traumatizing. Athlete at Star Athletic and witness to the chaos, Aliyah Madera, recalls the casualties due to the stampede. “I watched it happen. People were bleeding…broke their arms, legs. [They] lost their uniform, bows…phones were on the ground, kids went missing, [athletes] lost cheer bags and so much more. It was the scariest experience of my life.”
Madera further explains the tragic stampede from her perspective. Madera was with her friend Alani Mercado, and their parents were outside the arena where the shooting took place. Madera’s mom, Mirna Oritza, got a call that there was an active shooter. The word spread, and panic began. “People were crying, and I was terrified. Someone shouted that the shooter was coming for us. That’s when I also started running. We dropped to the ground. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Luckily, my friends and I made it back to our hotel room safely, but it was the scariest day of my life.”
Parent of another athlete performing at NCA, Matthew Arroyo, is also said to have witnessed the masses of athletes and parents evacuating the convention center. “It was very upsetting to see so many cheerleaders and their family members horrified about the situation.”
In an interview with Fox News, Candice (last name unknown), mother of a cheerleader from St. Louis, speaks about the absence of protocols to prevent shootings when they are so common. “This isn’t just Dallas. These large convention centers don’t have security or bag checks, so we were hoping, unfortunately, we might have to use this as a lesson learned and just hope they up security.”
Her wishes came true. Parents and those at the convention center have since received an email informing them of the new safety protocols that will be instituted for next season. Clear bags are mandatory, and security will check individuals for firearms. This sort of protocol should be instituted at all large-scale events to protect citizens, especially considering the gun violence Americans are faced with day-to-day.
Even after confirmation that there weren’t shots fired at NCA, many believe there was a shooting, and the fallen pole theory was just a cover-up to ensure NCA attendance for future seasons. Madera, “It was absolutely a shooting. I’ve heard car backfires and stuff fall, but this sound was like nothing before. The only way I knew how to identify it was as a shot. If it were a pole falling, then how did people hear shots? Some even said they saw people carrying guns, and I believe it.” This is a common belief amongst many who witnessed the event. In Texas, since 2001, it has been legal for those 21 years or older to possess firearms, both openly and concealed, in most public places without a license, thanks to the “permitless carry” law.
All ten injuries were sustained in the stampede, as seen in the video from NBC News. No injuries were life-threatening. They consisted of bone bruises, lacerations, and extreme fractures or breaks. After the police arrived, the ten injured were transferred to four different area hospitals.
This event is an illustration of how people are trained to react in the event of a mass shooting. Many lives have been lost to shootings in America. Every day, people suffer trauma, survivor’s guilt, and lifelong PTSD from shootings. Trauma has plagued the attendees of NCA after experiencing a small glimpse of what it is like to be in a mass shooting. If changes aren’t made to society, they may have to see more than a small glimpse. 
