Injuries and fatalities from a shooting near the Kansas City Super Bowl
At a press conference, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves listed the casualties of the shooting and announced that three people had been taken into custody. She stated that although she was unable to verify it right away, she had heard that fans might have assisted in the capture of a suspect. “I’m upset about what transpired today. “Those who attended this celebration ought to anticipate a secure atmosphere,” she stated. Graves withheld information about the individuals detained and the potential reason behind the shootings for a while. She stated that firearms had been found, but she did not specify the type of weapons that were utilized. She stated, “Everything is being actively looked into.”
Videos of police rushing through a crowded scene were shared on social media by users, showing people frantically seeking cover and escaping. In one video, a person was seen presumably giving chest compressions to a victim of gunshot wounds while another person lay nearby, appearing to be in pain. The sound of screams was in the background. In a different video, two individuals were seen pursuing, tackling, and holding down the victim until two police officers showed up. The deceased individual was identified by the local radio station KKFI as Lisa Lopez, who worked as a disc jockey and hosted the program Taste of Tejano. KKFI released a statement saying, “This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community.”
There were lots of families present
Twelve patients from the rally were admitted to Children’s Mercy Hospital, nine of whom had gunshot wounds, according to KCUR. The victims’ ages could not be immediately verified by Fire Chief Ross Grundyson. However, at a press conference, physicians and administrators from Children’s Mercy attested to the fact that they provided care for the kids. They were six to fifteen years old. At the press conference on Wednesday, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas mentioned that he had considered inviting his own child to the festivities. He mentioned that his mother and wife were also present at the parade. Lucas said, “I ran for safety, like many others did, when the shooting started.”
They included Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson, as well as Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. “State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts. As we wait to learn more, our hearts go out to the victims,” Gov. Parson posted on X, formerly Twitter. Kelly said she was evacuated from the scene and “out of harm’s way.” Mayor Lucas said the Chiefs have been in contact with officials and shared that the team’s players, coaches, and staff were all accounted for and safe. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who just hours before was riding triumphantly through the city, also took to social media following news of the tragedy. He posted, “Praying for Kansas City…” As the team members rode a bus through the downtown area of the city, thousands of fans dressed in the team’s red, gold, and white colors cheered them on.
The parade was slated to start at 11 a.m. local time, and a rally was to take place at Union Station immediately following the parade, at approximately 12:45 p.m. At approximately 2:30 p.m. CST, shots were reported by the police. This tragedy occurred after KCUR reported that 2023 was a record-breaking year for homicides in Kansas City. With 185 homicides last year, it surpassed the previous record set in 2020 and had the highest number ever recorded. We will be updating this story as it develops. Watch live coverage from KCUR, a member station.
‘Out of harm’s way’ state officials following parade attendance in Kansas city
When shots were fired, Missouri Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson were at the parade, but they had left safely, according to Parson. In a social media post, Governor Parson stated, “State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims while we wait to learn more.” While attending the rally, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly shared on social media that she was safe. “Roughly Union Station, there were gunshots fired following the Chiefs rally. I’ve been taken out of danger and am safe. I urge everyone to heed the directions and information provided by @kcpolice. Kelly posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “Please stay safe.
Witnesses describe a chaotic scene when gunfire started
Lenexa, Kansas, resident Kevin Sanders, 53, reported hearing what sounded like firecrackers followed by people running. He didn’t give it much thought when calmness returned following that first flurry. However, he claimed that ambulances began to arrive ten minutes later.Sanders remarked, “It’s unfortunate that someone had to spoil the celebration, but this is a big city.” About ten or fifteen minutes prior to the gunfire near the Union Station rally, Ofilio Martinez, 48, claimed to have heard gunfire fired a few blocks away. He remarked, “This is making me anxious and afraid.”
Kansas City was jubilant prior to the parade
Kansas City residents were treated to another parade honorary the Super Bowl winners. Tara Bennett claimed that this year was extra memorable because she and her friends supported the team all season long and successfully defended their Super Bowl championship. Bennett, a resident of Kansas City, said, “It was exciting and so much fun seeing the players coming down and having fun with people with their family celebrating the city.” “It was beautiful today and we kept taking layers off because it was warm with the sun beating down.”
As she and her friend made their way to their car, she saw news reports about a potential shooting, which completely destroyed that. When they turned on the radio, their suspicions were validated. According to Everytown for Gun Safety and the National Rifle Association, the state has been loosening its gun laws for almost ten years, enabling people to purchase and carry concealed weapons without a permit, according to Bennett, an active volunteer with Moms Demand Action. “This shouldn’t have happened and shouldn’t have marred and scarred everyone and given a black eye to the city,” Bennett stated.
NFL and Chiefs offer their sympathies
The National Football League expressed its “deep sadness” over the senseless shooting that shocked Kansas City and caused masses of parade attendees to flee for their lives. The NFL said, “Our thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected.” The players, coaches, staff, and families of the Kansas City Chiefs have all been verified as safe and well. “The senseless act of violence that took place outside Union Station following today’s parade and rally deeply saddens us. The Chiefs released a statement saying, “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the entire community of Kansas City.” The Chiefs players posted their condolences on social media. Following the shooting, QB Patrick Mahomes stated on X that he is “praying for Kansas City”.
In the wake of shootings, proponents of gun rights demand change
Actors nationwide urged lawmakers to take action against gun violence as Kansas City struggled to deal with the shooting tragedy. President of Brady, a group dedicated to preventing gun violence, Kris Brown, pointed out that the shooting took place six years after the massacre at Florida’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. There, a gunman serving multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole killed seventeen people. “To be honest, I feel terrible for all Americans, the victims and their families, and the city of Kansas City. According to Brown, “we shouldn’t have to constantly worry about getting shot and killed during parades, at school, or anywhere else.”
“We know how to stop gun violence, and we have the answers. To put an end to this terrible epidemic and eradicate gun violence in America, we must be resolute. The mayor of Reno, Nevada, and president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Hillary Schieve, added her voice to the chorus on Wednesday urging Capitol Hill to act. Year after year, we are compelled to ask ourselves: What will it take for this country to take action regarding the ease of access to firearms in our country? And what will Congress need to do to address this senseless violence that is rife in far too many communities across America? Schieve stated.