On Sunday afternoon, a wave of panic swept through Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center and Kentucky Kingdom as reports of active shooters prompted the mass evacuation of approximately 40,000 people. The alarming events unfolded during the "Run for the Roses" women’s basketball tournament at the Expo Center and extended to the nearby Kentucky Kingdom theme park, leading to widespread fear and confusion throughout the area.
Shortly after 3 p.m., Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) received two separate calls reporting active aggressors—first at the Expo Center and then at Kentucky Kingdom’s Hurricane Bay water park. Immediate evacuation orders were issued, forcing coaches, athletes, families, and visitors to flee in haste. Many described chaotic scenes with fire alarms ringing and crowds rushing toward exits, unsure whether the threat was real or a false alarm.
Isaiah Flowers, a coach present at the women’s basketball tournament, recounted the uncertain moments: “People just started running out, so I was like, ‘Okay, get outside.’ I saw the fire alarms going off. For a brief moment, we were allowed to go back inside, but then everyone ran out again. It was scary because no one knew what was going on.” Likewise, families at Kentucky Kingdom experienced instant panic when reports emerged, with parents scrambling to find their children amidst the tumultuous evacuation.
Responding swiftly, LMPD officers, along with Louisville Fire and Emergency Medical Services, entered the affected locations to assess the situation. After thorough searches, officials confirmed that no shots had been fired, there were no victims, and both reports were false alarms. Despite the relief, the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in crowd safety at large-scale events.
In total, about 40,000 people were evacuated from the Expo Center and Kentucky Kingdom, which led to significant traffic congestion in the vicinity. The evacuations were precipitated by theme park officials and law enforcement’s priority to ensure public safety amid uncertain conditions. While no lives were harmed by violence, LMPD reported six individuals sustained minor injuries such as scrapes and bruises from falls during the hectic evacuation, with two people requiring hospital treatment.
In response to the event, enhanced security measures are being implemented. Starting immediately, the Kentucky Expo Center will introduce hand-held metal detectors and bag checks during security screenings to prevent similar scares in the future. Meanwhile, LMPD’s Homeland Security Unit is launching an in-depth investigation to determine how the false reports originated and whether any criminal actions were involved. Authorities have pledged to prosecute any wrongdoing to the fullest extent.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed profound relief that no shooting had occurred and praised law enforcement for their rapid response. In a public statement, he emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant while also recognizing the community’s resilience.
The Kentucky Kingdom and Expo Center situations serve as a cautionary tale in an era where misinformation and fear can spread swiftly, causing widespread alarm. Nevertheless, the professional response by first responders and the cooperation of the public ensured that potential tragedy was averted and the community was safeguarded.
Residents and visitors now look forward to a restored sense of security at these popular venues as enhancements to safety protocols take effect, reinforcing Louisville’s commitment to protecting its citizens and guests.
