The first scream echoed across the park before anyone fully understood what was happening.
Tourists scattered along the crowded pathways near the nation’s capital as agents suddenly rushed toward a man moving against the flow of pedestrians. Within seconds, calm dissolved into chaos. Shouts collided with the sound of gunfire, and terrified families dropped to the ground searching for cover while security teams moved with frightening speed.
For witnesses, the moment felt unreal.
One second, children were taking photos beneath summer skies. The next, sirens filled the air as emergency responders flooded the scene surrounding a high-level government motorcade that had passed through only moments earlier.
Authorities later confirmed that an armed confrontation had taken place near a restricted security route connected to senior political officials. Investigators say agents responded after identifying what they believed to be an immediate threat in the crowded public area.
In the confusion, several people were injured, including a juvenile caught in the crossfire during the sudden exchange of gunfire. Emergency medical teams rushed victims away while stunned tourists stood frozen behind barricades trying to process what they had witnessed.
Video clips recorded by bystanders spread online within minutes.
Flashing lights.
People screaming.
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