1 Killed, Several Injured In Shooting Near Kansas City Chiefs Victory Parade
At least one person was killed and 22 others suffered gunshot wounds during a Wednesday parade in Kansas City, Missouri, celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, according to city officials. Eight of the victims are facing immediate life-threatening injuries, while officials described seven additional victims with non-immediate life-threatening injuries.
“This is a day that a lot of people look forward to, something they remember for a lifetime,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in the shooting’s aftermath. “And what they shouldn’t have to remember is the threat of gun violence.”
Each of the Chiefs’ players, along with the coach and staff, have been accounted for, according to a police press conference.
Area hospitals said they were treating dozens of victims, some with gunshot wounds and some with other injuries.
The deceased victim is Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a DJ for Kansas City radio station KKFI, her employer confirmed. She hosted a show called Taste of Tejano.
Children’s Mercy Hospital told HuffPost that they are “treating 12 patients from the rally. Eleven are children. Nine have gunshot wounds.” The hospital later confirmed with ESPN that its patients were between the ages of 6 and 15 and that all are expected to recover.
“Our investigators are working with all of the surviving victims to connect them with loved ones. We are also working to identify our deceased victim so we can notify their family as soon as possible,” Police Chief Stacey Graves shared at a separate press conference. “I’m angry at what happened today,” she added. “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
According to police, three suspects were taken into custody. At a press conference, they noted there was at least one firearm. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown.
In security plans released ahead of the parade, the Chiefs promised that the “perimeter of the parade will be firmly secured and protected for maximum public safety.” It’s unclear if the shooting happened within the secured area. The security plan provided no indication of bag checks or metal detectors on the premises.
When asked how such a tragedy could unfold with 800 officers present, Lucas dipped his toe into the gun control debate, saying it’s incredibly easy for someone to carry out an attack like this.
“What you saw happen was why people talk about guns a lot,” he said. “We had over 800 officers there staffed, situated all around Union Station today. We had security in any number of places, eyes on top of buildings and beyond. And there is still a risk to people.”
President Joe Biden offered his condolences to those affected by the shooting on Wednesday evening, saying the tragedy “cuts deep in the American soul.”
Yesterday’s events in Kansas City should move us into action.How many more families need to be torn apart?It’s time for Congress to finally act to ban assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, and keep guns out of the hands of those who…
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) February 15, 2024
“The Super Bowl is the most unifying event in America. Nothing brings more of us together,” Biden said in a statement. “And the celebration of a Super Bowl win is a moment that brings a joy that can’t be matched to the winning team and their supporters.” “Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting,” he added, renewing his calls for gun control measures. “What are we waiting for? What else do we need to see? How many more families need to be torn apart?”
Last year’s event in Kansas City drew 1 million people, but the number of attendees for this year’s parade has not yet been determined.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said that she attended the parade, but was evacuated and unharmed.
At the end of the Chiefs rally, shots were fired near Union Station. I have been evacuated and am out of harm's way. I encourage everyone to follow instructions and updates from @kcpolice. Please stay safe.
— Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) February 14, 2024
The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement condemning the shooting. “We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the statement said. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City,” the statement added.
Chiefs players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and linebacker Drue Tranquill, posted in support of the victims at the parade. Mahomes said he was “praying” for the city, while Tranquill asked his followers to join him in praying for the victims.
Praying for Kansas City… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024
Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act. Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.
— Drue Tranquill (@DTranquill) February 14, 2024
The Chiefs won 25-22 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Lydia O’Connor, Pocharapon Neammanee, Nick Visser, and Sanjana Karanth contributed reporting.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on HuffPost.