Pride Parade in Washington DC Leaves Several Injured as 'Noise Mistaken For Gun Shot' Triggers Panic
Over a dozen people have been admitted in local medical facilities after they sustained minor injuries in the stampede-like situation.
Washington, June 9: Several participants of the Pride Parade in Washington DC, along with pedestrians, were left injured as people began "running for their lives" after hearing a noise akin to gunshot. Subsequently, rumours went rife that an active shooter has infiltrated among the parade participants, leaving scores into a sense of frenzy.
The city police, which was on alert due to the march, took minutes to control the situation. The police eventually took hold of a person who had a gun. He, however, claimed innocence and said the weapon was neither used by him nor taken out at the rally. Celebrating 50 Years Of Pride: Google Doodle Commemorates the History of LGBTQ Community With a Riot of Colours
An inquiry revealed that no gunshot was fired during the rally, and the participants had perceived a loud noise coming from another source as to have emanated from a gun.
Over a dozen people have been admitted in local medical facilities after they sustained minor injuries in the stampede-like situation.
"As the officers were going to the scene, there was a crowd of people going away from it and some of the individuals in the crowd said there was a man with a gun and that someone had fired a shot," said Guillermo Rivera, a commander with the Metropolitan Police Department.
The man was taken into custody and is facing a gun possession charge, Rivera said. City officials said no shots were fired.
Here's What Deputy Mayor Kevin Donahue Tweeted:
Mayor Muriel Bowser also posted a statement, claiming that she has been briefed by the police and there were "no shots fired." She said fire department personnel were "on the scene to treat minor injuries / due to reports of a shooting."
"I know the incident today at Pride was frightening for many - for those who were there and for those who had friends and loved ones at the parade," she added.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 09, 2019 12:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).