MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A large fight at a public soccer watch party at North Loop Green in downtown Minneapolis triggered widespread panic Sunday evening after false reports of gunfire spread through the crowd, causing hundreds of attendees to flee in a chaotic stampede.
According to authorities, multiple law enforcement agencies responded after receiving numerous 911 calls reporting possible shots fired during the event. Officers quickly secured the area and conducted an extensive search, ultimately determining that no gunfire had occurred and that there was no active shooter.
Investigators said the disturbance began with a large brawl involving multiple individuals attending the watch party. As rumors of gunfire rapidly circulated, fear spread throughout the crowd, prompting many people to run for safety.
The resulting stampede left at least three people injured after they were knocked to the ground and trampled while trying to escape. Officials said the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, and those injured received medical attention at the scene.
Witnesses described a scene of confusion as people rushed in different directions, believing they were fleeing an active shooting.
“People thought there were shots, everybody started running. Turns out it was fights. They eventually shut the game off and evacuated everyone,” one witness said.
Event organizers immediately suspended the soccer watch party and evacuated attendees while police worked to secure the venue and verify that no ongoing threat existed.
Law enforcement officers remained at North Loop Green Sunday night interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and collecting evidence to determine what sparked the altercation. As of the latest update, authorities had not announced any arrests or identified those believed to have been involved in the fight.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or captured photos or video to contact investigators as they continue working to establish a complete timeline of events.
Although initial reports of gunfire proved to be unfounded, officials noted that the incident highlights how quickly misinformation can spread during large public gatherings, leading to panic and avoidable injuries. Authorities continue to encourage the public to rely on verified information during emergencies and to avoid sharing unconfirmed reports on social media.
The investigation into the disturbance remains ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released as authorities learn more about the events that led to the fight and the subsequent stampede.