KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A dispute led to a mass shooting at the conclusion of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Missouri, as per the police. The shooting took place outside Union Station as fans were leaving the parade and rally, resulting in one fatality and 22 injuries. More than 800 law enforcement officers were present in the area, with 1 million people expected to attend the celebration, according to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Several suspects, including two juveniles, have been detained, but charges have not yet been filed. The victims’ ages range from 8 to 47 years old, with at least half of them under the age of 16, according to Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves. Fire officials reported that eight victims were critically injured and seven were seriously hurt.
Children’s Mercy Hospital received 12 patients, including nine children who were shot. University Health also received eight gunshot patients, two of whom remained in critical condition.
Paradegoers were praised by the police chief for assisting one another and physically stopping a person believed to be involved in the incident. The law enforcement response was commended as “exemplary.”
The shooting claimed the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a DJ at a local radio station. The 44-year-old leaves behind her husband and two young children. All Chiefs players, coaches, and staff were confirmed safe.
This incident adds to the tally of mass shootings in the United States this year, with 81 people killed and 165 wounded, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
Kansas City police have urged witnesses or individuals with video footage of the shooting to contact a dedicated tip line.
The impact of the shooting on the community and families affected is significant, and the need for continued efforts to address gun violence remains a priority.