What was supposed to be a day of tumbling, cheering, and spirit soon turned into stampedes, screams, and tears at the NCA national cheerleading competition on Saturday at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas.
On March 1, police responded to calls of an active shooter. However, after a preliminary investigation, officials determined the alarming noise to be due to a fight.
Update regarding incident at 650 S. Griffin Street. pic.twitter.com/GxNGrhy3pk
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) March 1, 2025
At least two Redhawks were there and witnessed the incident. For junior Sophie McQueary it was a life or death reaction.
“I was walking into the convention center, heard what was happening, and ran,” McQueary said. “I got told active shooting, and my best friend and I ran to the car. It was terrifying; no one should have to experience that.”
For sophomore Mari Vanacour, the whole situation was confusing and terrifying, especially with her mind in other places.
“I was in the Omni Hotel, and we heard screaming and people running out of the convention center,” Vanacour said. “Then, there was an announcement to stay in your room. I was told a bunch of different stories, but mainly that there was an active shooter in the arena. It was very scary, mainly when we had to evacuate and we didn’t know where we were going. Honestly, it wasn’t. I was just really focused on nationals because it’s such a big event.”
For Vanacour’s mother Heather, it was a nightmare being unable to be with her daughter in such an ominous time.
“I learned about the incident when Mari called me from the Omni to tell me what was going on,” Heather Vanacour said. “The hardest part was being separated from my daughter and not knowing exactly what was happening. There were many sirens from first responders, and I received two alerts on my phone to stay out of the Dallas area. It was very scary. Even though I wasn’t in the thick of it, knowing that there was danger for my family and so many young children, many prayers were said in that moment.”
