Panic at Louisville’s ‘Run 4 Roses’ Tournament: Reports of Active Aggressor Cause Chaos and Evacuation at Kentucky Expo Center
LOUISVILLE, KY — What was meant to be a joyful, high-stakes weekend celebrating elite youth sports turned into a scene of panic and chaos Sunday afternoon, as the “Run 4 Roses” girls’ basketball tournament at the Kentucky Exposition Center was abruptly halted due to reports of an “active aggressor” on-site.
The nationally renowned tournament, which draws thousands of players, coaches, families, and recruiters from across the country, had been underway since Thursday. With games being played on dozens of courts simultaneously, the sprawling expo center was filled with energy, excitement, and fierce competition — until it was suddenly pierced by fear.
Around 3:45 p.m., spectators and participants began to receive emergency alerts and social media notifications about a potential threat. Shouts rang out, people ran in multiple directions, and parents frantically searched for their children. What began as whispers of concern quickly escalated into full-blown panic.
Security and law enforcement quickly initiated an emergency lockdown, and a mass evacuation of the facility was underway within minutes. Players were ushered into storage areas, basements, and locker rooms while parents gathered outside in confusion and fear. The Louisville Metro Police Department and Kentucky State Police responded in full force, surrounding the complex and securing exits.
“It was absolute chaos,” said Olivia Reyes, a parent who had traveled from Houston to watch her daughter compete. “One second, we were cheering from the stands. The next, people were crying, running, and hiding. We didn’t know if it was real or a false alarm. All I knew was that I needed to find my daughter.”
Law Enforcement Response and Investigation
Authorities later clarified that while an initial report of an “active aggressor” had been received, no shots were fired, and no injuries were reported in connection to the incident. The source of the threat remains under investigation, but early indications suggest it may have stemmed from a confrontation or altercation that was misinterpreted, quickly escalating into widespread panic.
Louisville Metro Police emphasized that while no firearm was recovered and no injuries occurred, the response was treated with utmost seriousness.
“In an age where mass shootings have sadly become a real threat, we cannot afford to take any report lightly,” said LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel. “We are grateful that everyone is safe, and we commend the swift action of our officers and event security teams in managing a very complex and emotionally charged situation.”
As of late Sunday evening, no arrests had been made, and no suspects had been publicly identified. Police continue to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and gather more information to determine exactly what sparked the mass alarm.
A Frightening Experience for Young Athletes
Many of the athletes participating in the “Run 4 Roses” tournament are middle and high school girls — some as young as 12 — who were playing in front of college scouts with dreams of scholarships and future athletic careers. For them, the terror was especially surreal.
One 14-year-old player described being hurried into a dark room with her teammates and told to remain silent for over 20 minutes, unsure whether the threat was real or imagined. “I was texting my mom the whole time. I thought I might not see her again,” she said.
Parents and coaches expressed gratitude for the quick thinking of volunteers and staff, many of whom acted with remarkable calm under pressure — locking doors, comforting frightened children, and helping to coordinate evacuations.
Aftermath and Reflection
By evening, the Kentucky Exposition Center had been cleared, and event organizers confirmed that all games for the remainder of the day were canceled. Tournament officials stated they would work with law enforcement to determine whether play could safely resume in the coming days.
The emotional toll, however, was already immense. Many families chose to cut their trips short, unwilling to risk further distress. Others voiced frustration at the lack of clear communication in the first moments of the alert, calling for more transparent and robust safety protocols at large-scale youth events.
Moving Forward
As Louisville takes stock of this terrifying near-tragedy, many are left grappling with the new reality of youth events being vulnerable to security threats — whether real or perceived. What was once unthinkable has become routine, and young athletes, like so many others across the country, now face the added burden of navigating fear alongside their dreams.
Despite the fear, many are choosing to focus on resilience.
“Our girls are strong,” said one coach. “They came here to compete, and they showed courage in the face of something no child should have to face. That courage will stay with them long after the final buzzer.”
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to contact Louisville Metro Police at (502) 574-LMPD or submit tips anonymously through the department’s online portal.