As Dallas prepares for Fourth of July celebrations and World Cup events, officials warn that celebratory gunfire can turn deadly.
“Please don’t shoot the gun,” Dallas police Chief Daniel Comeaux said during a Thursday news conference. “If you shoot a bullet in the air, it has to come down.”
Dallas police responded to 5,739 random gunfire calls during last year’s Fourth of July holiday period, from July 1 through July 5, according to police spokeswoman Allison Hudson. So far this year, the department has received 12,021 calls related to random gunfire.
Related: Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in North Texas
Police said they will increase patrols in areas that historically receive the most complaints during the holiday weekend.
Authorities say celebratory gunfire is dangerous because bullets fired into the air eventually return to the ground and can strike people, homes or vehicles.
According to previous reporting by The Dallas Morning News and safety experts, bullets can travel nearly 2 miles and reach speeds exceeding 2,500 mph.
Under Texas law and local ordinances, firing a gun into the air within city limits can result in criminal charges, fines, and possible jail time, according to Texas Penal Code.
Possessing or setting off fireworks within Dallas city limits is illegal, and violators can face fines of up to $2,000, Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Justin Ball said.
The warnings from Dallas police come as city officials expect large crowds for Independence Day festivities and FIFA events, including Friday’s Egypt-Australia match and Monday’s Round of 16 game.
Drivers should also prepare for temporary road closures around downtown Dallas during Saturday’s fireworks show, set to begin at 9:20 p.m., according to the Klyde Warren Park website.
Several major highways and the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge will close from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and officials urged people not to stop on roadways to watch the display.
Officials also urged residents to attend professional fireworks displays instead of using fireworks or firing guns in celebration.
“Our goal is simple,” Hudson said. “We don’t want those numbers to grow this holiday weekend or any other time.”