Amsterdam Police: Reports of gunshots at bonfire unfounded

Amsterdam Police responded to what they believed were gunshots following a bonfire Thursday night but the threat was unfounded.

Police officers were responding to three fights that broke out following the event on the Chalmers plot. The fights were located on Cleveland Avenue, at the foot of the pedestrian bridge and on the bridge itself. While dealing with those situations, officers received reports of gunshots at the bonfire, according to a Facebook post from police and the city.  

Officers found no threat there and said people on social media believed the sounds were pops made by basketballs thrown into the bonfire.

Mayor Michael Cinquanti said in the post that people spread word through social media about possible gunfire and it took on a life of its own.