Concertgoers were sent into a panic on Friday night during Miami’s Rolling Loud Festival after there were false reports of an active shooter. The festival, which ran from Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12, featured performances from Cardi B, Migos, and Lil Uzi Vert.
“Shortly after 11pm on Friday night, there was a disturbance that led a large group of fans to believe there was an active shooter within the festival grounds,” Rolling Loud organizers said in a statement. “The commotion resulted in these fans running out of the venue, some of whom were injured and/or scared in the process. Security and public authorities immediately sprung into action, established it was a false alarm and there was not an active shooter in the festival.
“Safety is #1 at Rolling Loud. We have hundreds of police officers and security guards hired to protect our fans. While we are upset this situation occurred, we are proud of the swift reaction of law enforcement to verify the area was secure.”
While it was just a “false alarm,” fans posted online about the chaos and the feeling of pure panic after hearing what sounded like gun shots. Some even claimed they heard real gun shots and the rumors are true. Videos showed people running in all directions as people were reportedly trampled.
False alarm there was no shooting at #rollingloud but it was mass hysteria for a minute. pic.twitter.com/8GHPBA5QuQ
— Sammy Donado (@SammyDonado) May 11, 2019
If you’re in the Miami area & we’re at rolling loud the shooting rumors are true Do not listen to the news there was definitely an active shooter! I was beside all of it!! Rather they hit somebody or not they were firing gun shots not fireworks none of that gun shots!#rollingloud
— Brittany Shay (@brittttttttbrat) May 11, 2019
Scariest thing I had to witness. #Rollingloud pic.twitter.com/IkYjVn3DKU
— Anjaleca (@Anjaleca_) May 11, 2019
I literally see 50 feds speeding by, see people running, a girl tells me a dude got shot in the head right next to her. hear two more rounds of gunshots, me and everyone else take off fucking running for our lives, hiding behind cars. I am fucking shook. #RollingLoud
— RARE (@dejahisrare) May 11, 2019
The fact that it was a “false alarm” DOES NOT mean you can continue the show instantly after it was confirmed. People we trampled, hurt, hyperventilating, etc..literally me and my girl were first hand victims under a dogpile and we couldnt get out for over 15 minutes #rollingloud
— 5ш!й (@Swindica) May 11, 2019
I don’t care if that rolling loud shooting was false but I saw 1000s of ppl running at me and crazy sounds I’m not hanging around…. #rollingloud
— Chambers II (@BuddyChambersII) May 11, 2019
In addition to the shooter scare, rapper Kodak Black was arrested on both state and federal firearm charges, following his latest arrest in Niagra Falls where he was charged with possession of guns and marijuana. Lil Wayne also missed his set as he refused to be checked on the stadium grounds, claiming he “will not ever settle for being policed to do my job.”
It’s safe to say the festival didn’t go exactly as planned, leaving some fans hoping for refunds.
I really paid $430 for 2 shooting scares no Kodak and no weezy. I need that shit back @RollingLoud #RollingLoud
— Tank szn (@lunchbreakgod) May 12, 2019
What happened tonight at #RollingLoud was horrifying and I first hand watched hundreds of people panic evacuate rip down wire fences and trample each other. Horrifying. And to make it seem nothing but a “false alarm” is sickening. I want my $400 back. I heard a gun. I was trapped
— Baby Outlaw (@michellecarew_) May 11, 2019
Shooting scares aren’t anything new — gun violence has plagued the country over the past couple years, and many events have ended in hysteria. Whether the gun violence is real – like at the Eagles of Death Metal Show in Paris and the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas – or just a false alarm like at the Global Citizen Festival in New York or Kevin Gates’ show in Texas, many concertgoers are already on-edge to begin with. Some artists have held concerts in support of gun control, including Fall Out Boy and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats.
