ORLANDO, Fla. – A scare caused by what appeared to be firecrackers thrown into a crowd celebrating the Fourth of July fireworks at the Lake Eola Fountain in Orlando sent parkgoers panicking and fleeing, with some jumping into the water to seek shelter.
Orlando police said about 12 people were injured as they fled the scare, which happened shortly after the fireworks began around 9:45 p.m. Monday.
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Some witnesses said they heard what they thought were gunshots. However, police said there was no indication of a shooting.
“Out of nowhere we saw people running and then we heard (what we thought were) gunshots. We heard it. It was wrong with the fireworks. Apparently they were something else,” said the witness.
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“People were jumping into the water, people were running towards the buildings,” said a woman.
OPD Deputy Chief Eric Smith says the department does not believe there was an active gunman at the Lake Eola July 4th fireworks celebration where crowds could be seen running.
Orlando police later tweeted that there was no shooting and no threat to public safety.
“We believe it was fireworks that went off in the crowd at the same time as the main firework,” Deputy Chief Eric Smith told News 6. “That sent people running. They thought shots had been fired. Of course, people started running away with everything that was going on.
During the chaos, some families were separated. Police said a family gathering zone has been set up at North Rosalind Avenue and East Robinson Street.
Downtown Orlando Update: Hearing that someone threw fireworks behind a group of people during the fireworks celebration, causing panic and people scattering everywhere. The area is guarded by law enforcement, but there are currently no reports of gun violence. We will share more.
— Rep. Anna V. Escamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) July 5, 2022
A lost and found area has been set up at the Lake Eola Parks office at North Eola Drive and East Washington Street, according to police.
The scare in Orlando came hours after six people were shot at a Fourth of July parade in suburban Chicago. A person of interest was later arrested.
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🚨IMPORTANT MESSAGE: To our community members now in downtown Orlando, please know that there is NO evidence of a shooting in the area. Our officers are currently working to secure the area. There is NO threat to public safety at this time.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) July 5, 2022
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📢FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES! If you have been separated, you can come to our family gathering area on N. Rosalind Ave. & E. Robinson St.
Spread the word.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) July 5, 2022
OPD tweeted at 11:32 p.m. that all families at the family reunification center were able to be reunited.
UPDATE: We are happy to announce that all families at the Family Reunification Center at Rosalind & Robinson have been reunited!
** LOST AND FOUND AREA has been moved to the Lake Eola Parks office on N. Eola Dr. & E. Washington St.
Thank you for sharing!
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) July 5, 2022
Police said they believe the incident may have started near Pine Street or the bandshell, although the investigation is still early.
Smith added that police and fire crews were focused on finding and treating anyone who may have been injured during the panic.
Check back with News 6 for updates.
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