Active Shooter Rumors 'Unfounded' At Passaic Co. Costco: Police

CLIFTON, NJ — A small child bumped into a fire exit Sunday at Costco, and chaos ensued, according to the Clifton Police Department. A chain reaction led to inaccurate reports of an active shooter, which authorities called "unfounded."

Inaccurate social-media posts about an "active shooter" led to additional chaos and concern, police said. Clifton patrol officers secured the scene. Some customers felt anxious and panicked, but everyone affected was OK, according to police.

Police investigated and found reports of an active shooter to be inaccurate. The alarm sounded after the child bumped into one of the fire-exit doors, causing employees to rush to the area of concern, authorities said.

The "chain reaction" of chaos resulted in the false belief that there was an active shooter, police said.

"We apologize for any unnecessary stress that this may have caused," the Clifton Police Department said. "As always, thank you all for your support."

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