A high school American football match in Pennsylvania was abruptly halted after a gunshot was heard near the stadium entrance, sending players, cheerleaders and spectators fleeing for safety. The incident occurred during a live-streamed game between Elizabeth Forward and South Allegheny at Gladiator Stadium in Allegheny County.
Gunshot heard during third quarter
The game was abandoned immediately after the shooting, which took place as Elizabeth Forward led South Allegheny 42-20 with 4:44 remaining in the third quarter. As teams prepared for kickoff following a break after a touchdown, a gunshot was clearly audible on the broadcast.
Players and cheerleaders on the South Allegheny touchline immediately ran from the pitch, with screams rising from spectators as panic spread through the stadium. Elizabeth Forward players, coaches, cheerleaders, band members and supporters quickly followed, rushing toward safety.
Commentator describes chaos
Commentator Paul Paterra documented the chaos live on air. "Now there has been a shooting. There has been a shooting," Paterra said. "Everybody get down," he added, before instructing a colleague filming from a rooftop position to get down as well. "Folks, we are ducking for cover. There was a shot, it appears. All we saw is everybody just start sprinting. There was a loud bang," he said.
According to authorities, the gunshot was discharged near the stadium's entrance at approximately 10:55pm. Liberty Borough police stated officers swiftly located and detained a 17-year-old suspect, discovered carrying a loaded semiautomatic handgun concealed in his waistband.
Suspect detained and charges expected
Investigators established the weapon had been reported stolen from Wilkins Township, and a 45-calibre round was subsequently recovered from the ceiling area near the stadium's entrance. South Allegheny Superintendent Dr David McDonald confirmed no injuries resulted from the incident.
"The suspect was apprehended within seconds by South Allegheny School Police officers," McDonald said in a statement. "Both teams were escorted to their respective locker rooms by local police, and all spectators have safely exited the stadium." He added: "We are grateful for the quick response of our South Allegheny School Police officers and the assistance of our local law enforcement partners. The safety of our students, athletes, families, staff and community remains our highest priority."
Liberty Borough police confirmed they expect to bring multiple charges against the suspect, including receiving stolen property, carrying a firearm without a licence, possession of a firearm by a minor, possession of a weapon on school property and recklessly endangering another person.
