Posted on: February 14, 2024, 08:07h.
Last updated on: February 14, 2024, 08:07h.
At least one person died and some 21 others were injured Wednesday in a mass shooting following a Kansas City, Mo. celebratory parade for the Chiefs who only days ago won the Super Bowl.
Eight of the injured suffered what the Kansas City Fire Department called “immediate life-threatening injuries” during gunfire outside of Union Station.
Seven others had “life-threatening injuries” and a half dozen suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to Kansas City TV station KMBC.
Kids Injured
Eleven children were among the injured, the report added. Nine of these young victims suffered gunshots. They were rushed to Children’s Mercy Hospital where they were undergoing treatment on Wednesday evening.
Initial statements from the hospital said the children were expected to recover from their injuries. The patients there are between the ages of six and 15.
Adult victims were taken to Truman Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital.
The fatally wounded victim was identified by Kansas City radio station KKFI as DJ Lisa Lopez, host of “Taste of Tejano.”
This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community,” KFFI said in the post. “Our hearts and prayers are with her family.”
Three Individuals Apprehended
Three people were apprehended following the shooting spree. It’s unknown if they were charged.
Chiefs fans apprehended one of the possible shooters, KMBC reported.
Chiefs’ players were still in the area when the shootings took place. None of the players or coaches were injured. But players were described by Sports Illustrated as being “in shock” following the violence.
Despite the trauma, some team players attempted to calm down traumatized children.
Chiefs’ offensive lineman Trey Smith presented one youngster a WWE title belt.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes offered prayers for Kansas City. Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “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.”
Anger, Sadness
An estimated 1M people showed up at the parade. Initial shock turned to anger over the mass shooting.
“I’m angry at what happened today,” Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves was quoted by KMBC. “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment. We had over 800 law enforcement officers at this location.”
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 Chiefs added in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City.”
The Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in overtime by a 25 to 22 score. Super Bowl LVIII was played in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
