Last Thursday, panic spread through Disney's Magic Kingdom as visitors mistook a fight and the sound of popping balloons for an active shooter situation. The Orange County Sheriff's Office was quick to respond, confirming that there was no active shooter and that no shots were fired. The noise that caused the scare was identified as balloons popping, according to WESH.
Witnesses documented the ensuing chaos on social media. Videos posted online depicted guests hiding and scrambling for safety, with a park floor covered in merchandise and an abandoned stroller visible in the aftermath. Despite the commotion, the sheriff's office stated that no arrests were made related to the fight as both sides declined to prosecute, which was reported by WFTV.
In the immediate aftermath, a spokesperson for Walt Disney World expressed their gratitude for the law enforcement's prompt handling of the situation, stating, "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 obtained by WFTV.
For updates on whether anyone was injured during the incident, viewers can tune into WESH, which is working to gather more details.
