Magic Kingdom Locked Down After False Reports of “Active Shooter” in Park
We have a very scary story coming out of Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park tonight.
As guests enjoyed time in the park, ready to kick off the holiday weekend, they were sent into a panic when a suspected gunman entered the theme park. According to multiple messages and videos sent on Twitter, Disney World cast members brought guests into stores like the Main Street Emporium and hid them to keep them safe.
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X, formerly Twitter user, @smalltalkari, shared that she was in the theme park when people started running, causing a stampede as terrified guests tried to run to safety.
there was just a f**king stampede in magic kingdom i think people thought there was a shooter that was the scariest thing i’ve ever been in in my entire life
there was just a fucking stampede in magic kingdom i think people thought there was a shooter that was the scariest thing i’ve ever been in in my entire life
— s (@smalltalkari) August 30, 2024
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X user Taylor Bybee followed that up with the news that word had spread that there was a suspected gunman in the parks. According to witnesses, the police were called and quickly swarmed the typically magical land.
Multiple reports of a gun scare at Magic Kingdom going through. Cops everywhere, tons of people backstage, monorails closed, items left on Main Street as families ditched everything to hide. Horrifyingly scary situation.
Multiple reports of a gun scare at Magic Kingdom going through. Cops everywhere, tons of people backstage, monorails closed, items left on Main Street as families ditched everything to hide. Horrifyingly scary situation. https://t.co/Zvp2vQiMSK
— Taylor Bybee (@coasterstudios) August 30, 2024
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As guests were being led out of the Magic Kingdom and to safety, videos were shared from the Main Street Emporium. As you can see below, merchandise was all over the floor as guests ran for cover, tried to remain safe, and search for their loved ones who they had become separated from during the melee.
went to magic kingdom today and there was literally a stampede because of a suspected shooter i thought that was actually going to be my last day. i was shoved out of the way and fell. mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was so bad.
went to magic kingdom today and there was literally a stampede because of a suspected shooter i thought that was actually going to be my last day. i was shoved out of the way and fell. mothers were crying looking for their daughters, people were hiding, it was so bad. pic.twitter.com/NATeMuwceK
— D (@anxrosa) August 30, 2024
Other images showed overturned strollers, guest items all over the ground, and scared/confused guests trying to figure out what the heck happened.
stampede @ magic kingdom and we got forced into the buildings then evacuated… apparently suspected gunshot but we didnt hear anything
stampede @ magic kingdom and we got forced into the buildings then evacuated… apparently suspected gunshot but we didnt hear anything pic.twitter.com/7EPdFA6Gxd
— riv @ animating (@vertesei) August 30, 2024
According to unconfirmed reports, someone reportedly yelled “Gun!” by the monorail, which is what set off the panic.
UPDATE
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has released an official statement confirming that there was no active shooter in the Magic Kingdom. According to the Sheriff’s Office, there was a fight that broke out in the theme park. During that time, there was also a “popping” noise, that was thought to be caused by a balloon.
ALERT: There is NO active shooter at @WaltDisneyWorld‘s Magic Kingdom. A fight occurred, and a “popping” sound was heard that we believe was a balloon. Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started. There is no active shooter.
ALERT: There is NO active shooter at @WaltDisneyWorld’s Magic Kingdom. A fight occurred, and a “popping” sound was heard that we believe was a balloon. Guests began running and that’s how the active shooter rumor started. There is no active shooter. pic.twitter.com/TRKLs3NglC
— Orange County Sheriff’s Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 30, 2024
Not long after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that there was no active shooter, Disney released an official statement, thanking the police for their quick work.
In a statement, a Disney spokesperson said the following: “We appreciate the immediate response of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to quickly assess and clear the situation. Normal operations have resumed and the park is now closed for the evening.”
In a statement, a Disney spokesperson said the following: “We appreciate the immediate response of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to quickly assess and clear the situation. Normal operations have resumed and the park is now closed for the evening.” https://t.co/mH2Eftc7lD
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 30, 2024
Walt Disney World Resort takes its security very seriously. Before entering the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the water parks, or Disney Springs, every guest must go through a security screening. Each guest must walk through a metal detector and have their bags, strollers, and coolers inspected by Disney security.
We are grateful to hear that no one was seriously injured in tonight’s scary incident at the Magic Kingdom. We thank Disney World Cast Members, Disney Security, and local police for keeping everyone safe.
