E-Paper
Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting: 1 killed, 8 children among 21 injured in US
The gunfire, which occurred near a garage close to the station, took place towards the conclusion of victory rally following a parade, according to the police.
A gunfire shooting in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, resulted in the death of at least one person and injured 21 others at a parade to celebrate the Super Bowl victory of the NFL champion Chiefs, causing panic among the crowds as they sought safety.
The gunfire, which happened near a garage close to the station, took place towards the conclusion of the victory rally following a parade, according to the police, Reuters reported.
Police Chief Stacey Graves disclosed during a press conference that three individuals were detained and were under investigation in connection with the incident outside Union Station, a landmark in the city.
Graves stated that investigators have not determined a motive for the shooting yet.
Fire Department Chief Ross Grundyson said during a news briefing that at least 22 individuals were struck by gunfire, resulting in one fatality. He added that 15 of the wounded sustained life-threatening injuries.
Graves acknowledged reports suggesting that some fans may have been involved in pursuing and apprehending at least one of the suspects. Investigators are actively reviewing video footage of the incident.
She said as per AP, “I’m angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
Approximately 800 law enforcement officers, including FBI agents and personnel from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), were present at the rally and parade preceding it.
According to a statement from the National Football League team, all Chiefs players, coaches, and staff who attended the victory rally were confirmed to be safe.
Even hours after the incident, authorities were still in the process of determining the exact number of casualties and gathering details, Reuters reported.
Footage shared on social media depicted chaos unfolding outside the station, as numerous uniformed police officers, armed and with weapons drawn, rushed into the building while crowds of bystanders scattered in the opposite direction.
Kansas City has faced persistent challenges with gun violence, leading to its selection as one of nine cities by the US Justice Department for intensified efforts to combat violent crime in 2020. By 2023, the city experienced a troubling milestone, reaching a record-equalling number of 182 homicides, with the majority involving firearms.
Who was present at the parade?
During the Super Bowl celebration, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce appeared on stage alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other teammates. However, Kelce's girlfriend, pop superstar Taylor Swift, was on tour in Australia during the event.
Mahomes said in a post on X, "Praying for Kansas City," followed by several praying-hands emojis.
Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill, who was at the parade, said on social media, "Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing."
An NFL statement said, "We are deeply saddened by the senseless shooting that occurred in Kansas City today following the Chiefs’ celebration. Our thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected."
Missouri’s Republican Gov. Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson, who were also present at the parade during the gunfire were unhurt. Parson said in a statement, “Thanks to the professionalism of our security officers and first responders, Teresa and I and our staff are safe and secure.”
Mayor Quinton Lucas has aligned with mayors nationwide in advocating for new legislation aimed at mitigating gun violence, which includes proposals for mandatory universal background checks. Expressing his sentiments, Mayor Lucas, accompanied by his wife and mother at the celebration, conveyed feelings of heartbreak and anger.
“This is absolutely a tragedy, the likes of which we never would have expected in Kansas City, the likes of which we'll remember for some time,” he said.
What did hospitals say?
A spokesperson from Children's Mercy Kansas City confirmed that the hospital treated 12 patients from the rally, 11 of whom were juveniles. Among them, nine individuals sustained gunshot wounds. However, during the news conference, Police Chief Graves stated that no children were injured, Reuters reported.
At least five individuals wounded in the shooting were transported to University Health Hospital, as reported by a spokesperson from the facility.
Laurel Gifford, spokesperson for St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, confirmed receiving one gunshot patient in critical condition and three walk-in patients with injuries that were deemed non-life-threatening, AP reported.
“When you have this many casualties, it’s going to get spread out among a lot of hospitals so that you don’t overwhelm any single ER,” Gifford said.
President Biden informed
According to a White House spokesperson, President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting incident in Kansas City and will remain updated on developments.
White House officials have been in communication with state and local authorities, and federal law enforcement personnel are present at the scene to assist local law enforcement efforts.
The event
Large crowds gathered along the route, with fans scaling trees and street poles or perching on rooftops to catch a glimpse. Players rode through the throngs on double-decker buses, welcomed by DJs and drummers. Owner Clark Hunt was among those on the buses, proudly displaying the Lombardi Trophy.
Both the city and the team contributed approximately $1 million each towards the event celebrating Travis Kelce, Mahomes, and the Chiefs' achievement of becoming the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to successfully defend their title.
