Fourth of July festivities in Knightdale ends due to prank
More than 20,000 people were at a Knightdale park yesterday to enjoy the Fourth of July and watch fireworks, according to a town spokesperson.
Authorities told WRAL News someone lit a fountain firework in the middle of the crowd, near the food trucks, while the fireworks show was going on.
Many people thought that sound was gunfire. In a video, you can see that caused mass panic, and groups of people to take off running.
Parent Sharif Brown said he’s disappointed to hear that a family-friendly event ended so poorly.
"It’s a shame that individuals that want to come out and enjoy fireworks with their families have to be concerned about children in a beautiful environment like this," said parent Sharif Brown.
A Knightdale spokesperson said there were no shots fired and no confirmed reports of guns at the event. Knightdale police said they're working to find viable leads.
"If we can determine those responsible for inciting the panic, we will work with the District Attorney to determine the appropriate charges," police said in a statement.
Rachel Armstrong says she thought she had to run for her life.
"I picked up my daughter, and I was barefoot. I didn't even grab my shoes or my purse," said Armstrong. "It was chaos."
Anyone with information about who may have been responsible for inciting the panic is asked to call Knightdale police at 919-217-2261.
Knightdale Parks & Recreation posted a message on its Facebook page regarding the matter. "We want to express our sincere apologies to all attendees and the community for any inconvenience, concern, or distress caused by this incident," the statement read.
