KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One individual is lifeless, and 21 others have been wounded by gunfire in a mass taking pictures on the finish of the Chiefs’ Tremendous Bowl parade Wednesday, based on authorities.
Three individuals have been detained and are underneath investigation, Kansas Metropolis Police Chief Stacey Graves stated throughout a information convention Wednesday night.
Of the individuals wounded by gunfire, eight have been in instantly life-threatening situation, seven have been in life-threatening situation and 6 had minor accidents, Kansas Metropolis Fireplace Chief Ross Grundyson stated on the information convention.
“I am offended at what occurred as we speak,” Graves stated. “The individuals who got here to this celebration ought to anticipate a protected surroundings.”
Kansas Metropolis radio station KKFI stated certainly one of its DJs, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was the host of “Style of Tejano,” died within the taking pictures. It was not instantly clear whether or not her demise was the one introduced by authorities.
“This mindless act has taken a phenomenal individual from her household and this KC Group,” the station stated in a press release.
Lopez-Galvan, whose DJ identify was “Lisa G,” was an extrovert and devoted mom of two from a distinguished Latino household within the space, stated Rosa Izurieta and Martha Ramirez, two childhood associates who labored along with her at a staffing firm. Izurieta stated Lopez-Galvan had attended the parade along with her husband and grownup son, a Kansas Metropolis sports activities fan who additionally was shot.
Kansas Metropolis Mayor Quinton Lucas stated all of the Chiefs gamers, coaches and workers have been protected and accounted for, which was later confirmed by the workforce in a press release.
“We’re actually saddened by the mindless act of violence that occurred exterior Union Station on the conclusion of as we speak’s parade and rally,” the workforce stated within the assertion. “Our hearts exit to the victims, their households and all of Kansas Metropolis.”
Stephanie Meyer, chief nursing officer for Youngsters’s Mercy Kansas Metropolis, stated it was treating 12 sufferers from the rally, together with 11 youngsters between the ages of 6 and 15. The hospital instructed KMBC-TV that 9 of the youngsters had gunshot wounds. Meyer stated all have been anticipated to recuperate.
When requested concerning the situation of the youngsters, Meyer responded: “Concern. The one phrase I’d use to explain what we noticed and the way they got here to us was concern.”
College Well being spokeswoman Nancy Lewis stated the hospital was treating eight gunshot victims. Two have been in vital situation and 6 have been in secure situation, she stated. The hospital additionally was treating 4 individuals for different accidents ensuing from the chaos after the taking pictures, Lewis stated.
St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas Metropolis obtained one gunshot affected person in vital situation and three walk-ins with accidents that weren’t life-threatening, spokesperson Laurel Gifford stated.
College of Kansas Well being System obtained at the very least one individual injured within the taking pictures.
The NFL stated in a press release, “We’re deeply saddened by the mindless taking pictures that occurred as we speak close to the top of the rally in Kansas Metropolis for the Chiefs. Our ideas are with the victims and everybody affected. We’re grateful for the short and thorough response of legislation enforcement and emergency personnel.”
Social media customers posted surprising video. One consumer’s video confirmed somebody apparently performing chest compressions on a taking pictures sufferer as one other individual, seemingly writhing in ache, lay on the bottom close by. Folks screamed within the background. One other video confirmed two onlookers chase down and deal with somebody, holding that individual down till two cops arrived.
Graves stated police have been working to find out whether or not one of many three individuals who have been detained was the individual tackled within the video. Police didn’t instantly launch any particulars concerning the individuals who have been detained or a few potential motive for the shootings. Graves stated firearms had been recovered, however not what sort of weapons have been used.
“That is completely a tragedy, the likes of which we by no means would have anticipated in Kansas Metropolis, the likes of which we’ll bear in mind for a while,” Lucas stated.
Joe Sciara, a 59-year-old Kansas Metropolis native who was on the parade together with his household, instructed ESPN’s Paula Lavigne that the taking pictures began “instantly after the final speech” on the rally.
“I noticed individuals working in each course. … From the place I used to be standing, my preliminary thought, the sound was such a speedy popping sound, it sounded extra to me like firecrackers than a gun,” Sciara stated. “So, I wasn’t initially panicked however as a result of all people began working, we had no alternative however to begin working. After I regarded again, I stored searching for the shooter as a result of I needed to ensure we weren’t working towards the shooter. I could not see a shooter. I noticed individuals down, a number of individuals down, however I could not inform in the event that they have been shot or in the event that they have been trampled. The mass of individuals was laborious to explain.”
A number of Chiefs gamers took to social media to precise their concern for the victims after the taking pictures.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes posted on X, “Praying for Kansas Metropolis…,” additionally together with three emojis of fingers in prayer.
Tight finish Travis Kelce posted as effectively, writing: “I’m heartbroken over the tragedy that happened as we speak. My coronary heart is with all who got here out to have a good time with us and have been affected. KC, you imply the world to me.”
Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill posted on X, “Please be part of me in prayer for all of the victims on this heinous act. Pray that medical doctors & first responders would have regular fingers & that every one would expertise full therapeutic.”
Offensive lineman Trey Smith wrote, “My ideas and prayers are with everybody affected by as we speak’s incidents — an enormous thanks to the primary responders who ran in the direction of the sound of hazard. You are those who ought to be celebrated as we speak.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and first girl Teresa Parson have been on the parade when photographs have been fired however are protected, Parson posted on X.
“State legislation enforcement personnel are helping native authorities in response efforts,” Parson posted. “As we wait to study extra, our hearts exit to the victims.”
President Joe Biden, who was briefed on the taking pictures and obtained updates all through the day, stated the tragedy “cuts deep within the American soul” and referred to as on individuals to press Congress to ban assault weapons, restrict high-capacity gun magazines and act on different gun measures.
“At the moment’s occasions ought to transfer us, shock us, disgrace us into appearing,” Biden stated. “What are we ready for?”
The taking pictures broke the celebratory temper on Valentine’s Day as Chiefs followers marked their third Tremendous Bowl title in 5 seasons.
Areas that had been stuffed with crowds have been empty after the taking pictures, with police and firefighters standing and speaking behind an space restricted by yellow tape.
Wednesday’s parade is the most recent sports activities celebration within the U.S. to be marred by gun violence, following a taking pictures that injured at the very least 10 individuals final yr in downtown Denver after the Nuggets’ NBA championship, and gunfire final yr at a parking zone close to the Texas Rangers’ World Collection championship parade.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
