Houston rodeo carnival closed early after crowd begins running

HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo closed the carnival area early after people began running through the crowd.

According to information shared during the event, a group of people started running in the carnival area, which caused others nearby to begin running as well.

One person at the scene said they were at a food stand when a large group of people suddenly ran away from the area. Several videos circulating on social media appear to show fights, but rodeo officials have not specified what caused the initial group to run.

Some people leaving the carnival said they heard unconfirmed reports of a stabbing or threats involving a firearm, while others said they did not hear any gunshots. One person said they believed two individuals may have been fighting and that one may have pulled out a knife, though that information has not been confirmed.

Officials shut down the carnival area following the incident. No additional details about the cause of the disturbance have been released.