By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Steelers first football competition of the 2024 season against the Bay Area Gators from San Francisco was interrupted by an alleged threat of a person with a gun on Saturday, Aug. 24 during the 10 and under team’s game at Richmond High School.
This reporter was in the packed Richmond-side bleachers when a cacophony of panicked shouting erupted and fans screamed at one another to vacate the stands, located nearby the field area’s entrance. People in the stands reported a man with a gun, the stark insinuation being that an active shooter was heading toward the crowd.
Mayhem ensued, with panicked people scrambling in every direction to escape where the presumed assailant was located. Although no one was seen with a gun, the crowd reacted like there was one. This reporter looked in the terrified eyes of an unknown woman nearby me, hugged her arm tightly, and fled. My husband was quickly off to find our son, whose 12 and under age-group was slated to play next.
The 10 and under game was quickly interrupted—the score 7-0 in the Steelers favor—and the young players were escorted off the field to safety. Other players awaiting their turn to play were secured in the locker room, as the team has a plan in place for emergency situations.
Referees later said the 10 and under game was “discontinued” and that it would be up to the competing teams to determine the next course of action. Most players and their families from that game seemingly left the premises when it was called.
An eyewitness said she saw a man emerge from the stands arguing about his son from the Gators not playing in the game.
The eyewitness, who preferred to remain nameless, said the man “acted like he was going to his car to get a gun.” She did not, however, see a gun at this time. When the man exited the gate separating the field from the parking lot, he was locked out by the gate staff.
Later, the Richmond Police Department reported that officers arrived on the scene and made contact with the subject outside of the field near 23rd and Rheem following “an argument or fight.” No weapon was located and he had already left the game at that time, they added. An arrest was not made and the subject was released since nobody volunteered to be a witness or would report being the victim of a crime, according to the department.
Following a delay of approximately an hour, the Richmond Steelers’ 12 and under team took to the field and began playing the Gator’s corresponding team. The day’s unfortunate event cast a possible pall over the Richmond team, with it losing 12-0 to the Gators.
To learn more about the Richmond Steelers, a football team for local youth ages 5-13, click here.
