Mass Panic & Chaos in Union Station: Fireworks Thought To Be Gunshots,*SUN. 7/7
SUNDAY, July 7, '19: Fireworks Set Off Inside Union Station Cause Mass Panic, Chaos- 'Truly Terrifying,' NBC News.
Social media users reported a stampede of people rushed toward the exits after hearing the loud bangs. Police and fire officials said there was no shooter or gunfire.
Some people said they hid in bathrooms or jumped behind restaurant counters.
Just had to barricade myself in the bathroom at Union Station because there was a report of a gunman and loud shots. Everyone was panicking. Turned out thankfully to be firecrackers, but eugh. What a terrible fright. 😞 10 1:54 PM - Jul 7, 2019
WHY WAS I WALKING THROUGH UNION STATION and SHOTS start going off!!! Everybody is running and screaming! I drop my drink and almost lose my bag! And 2 minutes later someone says, someone was playing with fireworks 🙄🤦🏾♂️ BRUH THANK GOD it wasnt worse 🙌🏾😭 26 1:57 PM - Jul 7, 2019
Video showed a large presence of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances outside the station as authorities responded to reports of a possible shooting.
D.C. fire officials said the chaos triggered some panic attacks. Medics treated three people at the scene.
Amtrack police said they are investigating who set off the fireworks. There is no description for any suspects at this time.
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Fireworks-Cause-Panic-Union-Station-DC-512325002.html