North Little Rock, Arkansas – Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred Friday night at a high school football game in North Little Rock, leaving one individual injured and prompting the cancellation of the game.
According to North Little Rock Police Department officials, officers responded to the incident at the North Little Rock High School football stadium at 8:18 p.m. on September 12. Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound in the visitors’ section of the stadium. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment by first responders.
In response to the incident, the North Little Rock School District issued a statement expressing disappointment and concern. “We are extremely disappointed by the events that took place at tonight’s football game,” the district said. “During halftime, a shot was fired, and a fan on the visitor’s side was injured. At this time, it is unclear where the shot originated as this remains under investigation.”
The district emphasized the swift response of security personnel and police officers. “Because of the commanding presence of our Safety Services Department and the North Little Rock Police Department, security personnel sprang into action quickly to manage the incident. Shortly afterward, we notified fans through our public announcer. Spectators were then led to an orderly exit out of Charging Wildcat Stadium.”
Officials also extended their thoughts to the victim and their family, assuring the public that the investigation is ongoing. “Our district, along with the Safety Services Department, is working closely with the North Little Rock Police Department as they launch an investigation into what happened. We know that there will be comments and speculations made regarding this incident; however, we ask everyone to welcome only factual information from reliable sources. The investigation is in the early stages. We thank investigators for their diligent work in piecing the facts together,” the statement read.
As a result of the shooting, the game between the North Little Rock Young Wildcats and the Benton Panthers was canceled and will not be rescheduled. However, the district confirmed that the Saturday matchup for the Young Wildcats will continue as planned at Charging Wildcat Stadium.
The Benton School District also issued a statement confirming the incident. “This evening’s Benton High School football game at North Little Rock was canceled at halftime following a shooting incident in the stadium bleachers. One parent was struck by a bullet and has been transported to the hospital. Law enforcement officers are on site and managing the investigation,” the statement said.
The Benton district reassured the public that all students and staff were safe. “Those in attendance are either riding home with their parents or being loaded onto district buses for transport home. We are working closely with local authorities and will provide updates as additional information becomes available. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parent and their family,” the statement added. Benton officials also confirmed that counseling support will be available for students and staff in the coming days to help them process the difficult experience.
Both districts emphasized the importance of safety and the need for community members to rely on verified information as the investigation continues. The North Little Rock School District reminded families and spectators that ensuring safety remains a top priority, and they thanked the public for their support and understanding.
No suspects have been publicly identified at this time, and investigators continue to piece together details regarding the origin of the gunfire and any potential motives. Police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Friday’s shooting at Charging Wildcat Stadium serves as a stark reminder of the challenges schools and communities face in maintaining safety at public events. Authorities and school officials are working together to ensure that future events remain secure and that students, families, and fans can attend without fear.
