KANSAS CITY, MO – A tragic incident unfolded in Kansas City on Wednesday as a shooting near the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory rally at Union Station resulted in one fatality and 22 injuries, eight of which were children. The event, which had just concluded when the shooting occurred around 2 p.m., was marred by the violence that erupted near the Union Station parking garage.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves, in a press conference held later that evening, revealed that three individuals had been detained in connection with the incident. Graves expressed his frustration over the incident, stating, “I am angry. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.” He also noted that 800 law enforcement officers had been on duty at the parade and rally.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas confirmed that all Chiefs players were safe and accounted for, adding, “The celebration was marred by a shooting. This is absolutely a tragedy.”
President Biden and the Attorney General have been briefed on the incident, with updates to continue as the investigation progresses. The FBI, which had a presence at the parade, is offering assistance to the Kansas City Police Department in their ongoing investigation.
Eyewitness Kade Collins, who attended the parade with his father, recounted the terrifying moments to the media. He initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks, but the realization of what was actually happening set in when he saw three people with gunshot wounds on the ground.
Chief Graves stated that the motive behind the shooting is still unknown. Authorities are urging any witnesses to the incident to come forward and provide information to the police.