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A man was arrested for brandishing a handgun at the Capital Pride parade in Washington DC – causing a rush that left several people in the hospital, according to cops.
The unidentified man was arrested during the parade on Saturday night and faces a charge of possession of firearms, police said.
The news of a firearm had triggered an active shooter alert – officials said about seven people had been taken to hospital for injuries caused by a leap forward, although the police had estimated that no shot had been fired.
"Some people in the crowd said that there was a man with a gun and that someone had shot a bullet," said Commander Guillermo Rivera of the Metropolitan Police Department.
"The officers arrived and arrested an individual and a firearm was recovered nearby. There is no indication that a shot was fired, but an investigation is under way, "said Rivera, according to the Washington Blade.
The fright began with a brawl in which one of the men left and "came back brandishing a gun in the air," said defender Cory Bittner's parade to the blade.
"That's where everyone started running."
The panic spread quickly, the noise adding to the confusion, according to eyewitnesses.
"We've heard people say," Get in there, protect yourself, there's an active shooter ", but it was like a big part of the phone," Dave Kolesar told Blade.
"When people approached, I heard some loud noises, which was obviously a source of further panic, but it was probably the sound of the temporary barriers that were knocked over as people tried to leave. "
19-year-old Elizabeth Hernandez also heard "pop, pop" as the barricades were knocked down. "Everything fell and everyone said run! "" She says.
Ashley Smith, president of the event's organizers, Capital Pride Alliance, remained provocative.
"We can not let this incident ruin the celebration of pride this weekend," Smith said.
"We are very focused on making sure we continue to organize a big event for the rest of the weekend."
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