14-07-2025
Run 4 Roses tournament to continue with new security measures after Expo Center evacuation
Games are scheduled to resume July 14 in the Run 4 Roses girls basketball tournament, though event organizers said there will be stricter security measures one day after attendees evacuated the Kentucky Exposition Center on a report of an "active aggressor."
A preliminary investigation by Louisville Metro Police found there were no shots fired inside the Expo Center, but some evacuees sustained "minor injuries" while they were attempting to leave the facility.
Organizers for the Run 4 Roses tournament stated schedule adjustments "will be necessary" because games were disrupted. Upon arrival, players, coaches and spectators will be screened by security officers using handheld metal detectors and bag checks will also be conducted.
"Please pack accordingly and arrive early to allow for delays," organizers wrote in a post on X.
Tournament games are planned to continue through July 15, according to Run 4 Roses' website.
In a separate post, Run 4 Roses organizers stated an "initial investigation found that a mechanical issue" triggered an alarm to sound, though the alarm was not activated manually.
When asked about the alarm system July 14, LMPD spokesperson Aaron Ellis said the department's investigation into the events at the Expo Center was still ongoing. LMPD officials previously said in a statement officers would determine "if any charges are warranted."
Multiple teams participating in Run 4 Roses, including the Iowa hub of the Missouri Phenom, announced on social media they will not be returning to the Expo Center.
"Our athletes(') physical and mental health is far more important than a basketball tournament," officials with the Phenom said in a statement. "We will regroup and be ready to compete at (the Nike Tournament of Champions) in Chicago. Thanks to all the coaches who supported & watched us."
Several college coaches said they were in attendance when the Expo Center was evacuated.
"My 35th July recruiting period and I've never experienced anything like this afternoon," University of Alabama women's basketball head coach Kristy Curry wrote on X. "Thankful for the quick response from the first responders in Louisville!"
Other coaches in attendance to watch recruits criticized tournament organizers and encouraged players not to continue if the events were unsettling for them.
"The lack of security measures that fit the size and scope of that tournament needs to change," University of Evansville head coach Robyn Scherr said in a statement. "Doesn't matter that there weren't actual shots fired. It exposed what many of us think about when we attend that tournament — it has the potential to be a very unsafe place."
In other news: Suspect identified in Lexington shooting that left 3 dead, trooper injured
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Run 4 Roses tournament update: Games continue with new security measures
