Gunfire overshadows fireworks as Dallas rings in 2026

As Dallas welcomed the year 2026, celebratory gunfire resonated throughout the city, with residents noting a flurry of rapid-fire shooting amid the New Year’s Eve festivities. Police recorded hundreds of related calls overnight.

In the Elmwood neighborhood of Oak Cliff, residents reported a blend of gunfire and fireworks echoing late into the night. “Particularly during the hours of 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., the sounds of firecrackers are prevalent, alongside the distinct noise of gunshots,” stated Violeta Galanardo.

Residents informed NBC 5 that the noises are everyday, though they tend to escalate during holiday periods. Andrew Cagle, a resident of Elmwood for six years, expressed growing concern over the increased volume and frequency. “It’s a combination, likely a lot of 9 millimeters,” he stated, noting that residents also hear the sound of rifle-caliber rounds. Recently, a friend's roof sustained damage, prompting Cagle to keep his children indoors during nights when he anticipates heavy gunfire.

Some residents reported restricting the time their pets spend outside during festive occasions. A neighbor likened the scene to encounters overseas. “The most recent city where I encountered this was Beirut,” Cagle remarked. “I’ve actually encountered more of these incidents here in Oak Cliff than I did in Beirut.”

The Dallas Police Department reported that officers responded to 759 calls concerning celebratory gunfire throughout the holiday season. Authorities in Fort Worth have documented approximately 70 comparable calls, indicating that numerous other complaints were funneled to non-emergency lines.

A resident of Winnetka Heights, who preferred to remain anonymous, reported that she contacted law enforcement on three separate occasions due to the incessant sound of rapid gunfire, yet found no respite. Footage captured in West Dallas revealed a series of gunfire eruptions lighting up the night sky.

Janet Smith, a longtime resident of Elmwood, expressed concerns about the police being stretched thin. “I believe our police are doing their utmost, but there is certainly a need for more resources,” she stated.

Residents reported a lack of awareness regarding any injuries stemming from the New Year’s Eve gunfire; however, a palpable sense of fear continues to linger in the community. “Everything that goes up must come down,” stated Galanardo. “This is a matter of concern for us.”

Earlier this month, Dallas police revealed their intention to implement enhanced technology, such as license plate readers, cameras, and drones, aimed at improving response times to incidents of random gunfire. The announcement came after testimony presented to the Dallas City Council revealed that a gunshot detection system trialed by the department fell short of anticipated performance levels.

Residents emphasize the urgent need for lasting solutions, cautioning that without strong measures, the situation could worsen.

‍