Crime
No Shots Fired or Victims Following Panic at Kentucky Expo Center During Basketball Tournament
LOUISVILLE, KY — July 13, 2025 — Authorities have confirmed that no shots were fired and no injuries were reported following a large-scale panic at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Saturday, where the “Run 4 Roses” youth basketball tournament was being held.
Initial reports of an active shooter caused widespread fear and confusion among attendees at both the Expo Center and neighboring Kentucky Kingdom amusement park.
Emergency responders, including Louisville Metro Police and Fire Department personnel, arrived on scene promptly and established a command post to assess the situation.
After a thorough investigation, officials confirmed that there was no active shooter, no gunfire, and no victims associated with the incident.
According to officials from the Kentucky Exposition Center, the panic began after unverified reports of a threat spread rapidly, prompting a mass evacuation.
The situation caused significant traffic congestion in and around the venue as thousands of attendees attempted to leave simultaneously.
Law enforcement has since confirmed the incident was a false alarm and posed no actual threat to public safety.
As a precaution, event organizers ended tournament play for the remainder of the day and closed the facility to reentry.
Law enforcement is now focused on managing traffic flow and ensuring the safe departure of all individuals from the venue.
Witnesses described the experience as chaotic and frightening, particularly given the large number of children present at the tournament. One attendee shared, “It was one of the scariest moments of my life—so many kids, and no one knew what was happening.”
Authorities urge the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information during emergency situations.
An official statement from Louisville Metro Police reiterated:
“There was no active shooter, no shots fired, and no victims located. We understand the fear this caused, and we are working closely with event organizers to ensure safety moving forward.”
Further updates will be provided as needed.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.