ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 15: NBA YoungBoy performs onstage during the MASA TOUR at State Farm Arena on October 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)

A reported shooting outside AMC Firewheel 18 in Garland, Texas, disrupted a weekend screening of the rapper NBA YoungBoy biopic American Youngboy on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Garland Police said the incident unfolded around 9:15 PM and remains under active investigation.

The Garland Police Department confirmed officers responded after multiple calls reported gunfire outside the theater complex. When officers arrived at AMC Firewheel 18, they determined shots had been fired in the area surrounding the cinema. Authorities confirmed no injuries.

The incident sparked immediate panic inside the theater. Moviegoers watching American Youngboy, the biographical film about rapper NBA YoungBoy, whose legal name is Kentrell Gaulden, rushed toward exits after hearing gunfire outside. Witnesses described confusion across multiple auditoriums as staff guided patrons out.

One attendee said, “People just started running when the shots went off outside. Nobody knew what was happening.” Theater employees helped coordinate the evacuation while police secured the area.

Shots Fired At Dallas Screening Of Rapper NBA Youngboy’s “American Youngboy”

The shooting briefly interrupted screenings at the multiplex. The film had drawn strong weekend attendance since its U.S. release on April 22, with evening showings at AMC Firewheel 18 near capacity.

Law enforcement has not released a motive. Investigators have not confirmed whether the shooting was targeted, random, or connected to theatergoers. No suspect description has been released, and no arrests have been announced.

Officers secured the perimeter shortly after arriving and began collecting statements from witnesses and staff. Investigators also reviewed surveillance footage from the theater exterior and surrounding parking areas.

Garland Police emphasized that the shooting occurred outside the building and that no injuries were reported among patrons or employees. Even so, witnesses described a chaotic scene as people evacuated during the response.

The AMC Firewheel 18 later resumed normal operations.

Authorities continue to seek information from the public as the investigation develops. They have asked anyone with relevant details to contact Garland Police.

American Youngboy, a 75-minute biopic directed by Nico Ballesteros, follows NBA YoungBoy’s MASA Tour, an acronym for “Make America Slime Again,” which ran from September 1 to November 12, 2025.