DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a “disturbance” at the EMC Events Center downtown.

At around 3 p.m. the DMPD and PCSO responded to the EMC Events Center after receiving reports of a male entering the stage area during an event and “prompted safety concerns,” police said.

According to the DMPD, the events center, which was hosting the National Speech and Debate Tournament, was evacuated while law enforcement investigated the area. After roughly half an hour, participants at the tournament were allowed to return.

Police said there have been no reported injuries or weapons seen or recovered.

Parents picking up their children from the events center are asked to go to the north parking at the events center, near the intersection of 5th Street and Crocker Street.

No additional information has been released. Check back to www.who13.com for updates.

Metro News: