A fatal shooting occurred in Missouri, resulting in one death and 21 injuries, coinciding with the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade.
Emergency services responded to the scene, where eight individuals faced critical conditions, and seven others sustained potentially fatal injuries. Among the injured were nine children, who are all expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities have detained three individuals in relation to the shooting incident. The gunfire erupted to the west of Union Station, a key location in downtown Kansas City, as the parade festivities concluded around 2pm local time, drawing thousands of fans.
Reports indicate that Kansas City Chiefs players were present on stage near the site when the initial gunfire was heard.
The incident prompted panic among the spectators, including the mayor and his relatives, who sought safety.
Kansas City’s Police Chief Stacey Graves reported an immediate response from officers to the shooting, with detectives beginning their investigation in the area. Emergency medical services were promptly provided to those injured.
The event was heavily secured with over 800 police officers on duty, alongside fire department personnel ready to offer medical aid.
Chief Graves confirmed in a press briefing that the shooting affected 22 individuals, including one fatality, and led to the arrest of three suspects. A local radio station reported that one of its DJs, Lisa Lopez, was killed in the shooting.
Victims were rushed to three local hospitals, with those in critical condition receiving medical attention within minutes of the event.
Children’s Mercy Hospital is treating nine children, ages six to 15, for gunshot wounds, as reported by Stephanie Meyer, the chief nursing officer.
“The one word I would use to describe what we saw and how they felt when they came to us was ‘fear,'” Ms. Meyer said.
Additional treatments were provided for non-gunshot-related injuries caused by the ensuing chaos. No details on the victims or the apprehended suspects have been disclosed by city officials.
An argument escalating to violence is believed to be the cause of the shooting, according to a law enforcement source. The incident is not considered an act of terrorism.
The police are currently investigating the motive behind the shooting and are collecting evidence while urging witnesses to come forward.
The joy of celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ consecutive Super Bowl victory was overshadowed by the tragedy, leaving the community in mourning.
Mayor Quinton Lucas recounted his own experience of fleeing for safety with his family upon hearing the shots, highlighting the unexpected turn of the day’s events meant for celebration.
“We went out today like everyone in Kansas City looking to have a celebration,” Mr. Lucas stated at Wednesday’s news conference.
“I was there with my wife, I was there with my mother. I never would’ve thought that we, along with Chiefs players, along with fans, hundreds of thousands of people, would be forced to run for our safety today.”
The Kansas City Chiefs organization expressed its deep sorrow over the incident, ensuring the safety of their team and extended family members.
Travis Kelce, known as the star tight end of the team, whose bond with Taylor Swift captured widespread attention, expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, “I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today.”
The mayor stressed the extensive security measures in place and called for reflection on future safety strategies, emphasizing the incident’s occurrence despite the significant police presence.
President Joe Biden addressed the tragedy, urging immediate action against gun violence and advocating for stricter gun control laws, including the prohibition of assault rifles.
