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Downtown Spokane fireworks halted by false active-shooter scare; SPD finds no threat At 10:00 p.m. on July 4 the Riverfront Park crowd was jolted when an on-stage announcement warned of an “active shooter.” Spectators sprinted from the Clock Tower lawn toward downtown streets, overturning picnic setups and leaving blankets, strollers and coolers behind. Spokane Police Department officers flooded the park within minutes, quickly determining that the alarm stemmed from a fight near the stage—no gunshots were fired and no injuries were reported. Fireworks resumed at 10:25 p.m., but the audience had thinned to a fraction of the original crowd. Witnesses described the exodus as a “stampede,” with some parents temporarily separated from children amid the chaos. SPD used bullhorns and social-media posts to reassure residents and confirm the display would continue. Why Spokane was on edge • Independence Day draws more than 25,000 people to Riverfront Park each year. • Fireworks are illegal to light inside city limits, making the city-sponsored show the region’s primary public display. • Recent shootings in neighboring counties and a nationwide uptick in mass-casualty hoaxes have elevated public anxiety. What SPD says happened – 9:58 p.m.: Reports of a fight near the stage reached event security. – 10:00 p.m.: Stage emcee relayed an “active shooter” warning without police confirmation. – 10:03 p.m.: First SPD units arrived; no shell casings, victims or armed suspects found. – 10:18 p.m.: Park declared secure. – 10:25 p.m.: Fireworks relaunched; officers remained on perimeter until dispersal at 11 p.m. Fireworks safety and legal reminders • Consumer fireworks—including sparklers—remain banned in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Millwood and unincorporated Spokane County. • Violations carry fines up to $536 and potential misdemeanor charges. • Legal public shows continue tonight in Liberty Lake, Avista Stadium and Northern Quest Resort; all venues employ security screening and bag checks. • Residents with unused fireworks can dispose of them free at the Waste-to-Energy Plant, 2900 S. Geiger Blvd. Tips for large-event safety 1. Identify two exit routes when you arrive. 2. Establish a family meetup point away from high-traffic areas. 3. Keep shoes on children and secure loose items to avoid trip hazards during sudden movement. 4. Follow instructions from uniformed law-enforcement officers, not unverified stage announcements. 5. Subscribe to Spokane Notify text alerts for official emergency updates. What’s next SPD is reviewing stage-communication protocols with Spokane Parks & Recreation and the event promoter to prevent future false alarms. Organizers say next year’s show will include a dedicated public-address safety officer and real-time coordination between event staff and police. Keyword focus: Spokane news, Fourth of July Spokane, Riverfront Park fireworks, active shooter scare Spokane, Spokane Police Department, fireworks laws Spokane, Inland Northwest events.