KANSAS CITY, Missouri – A celebratory mood turned tragic as a shooting left one person dead and 10 to 15 injured after the parade and rally for the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win. The exact number of victims was not immediately clear, according to Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves. Two suspects have been taken into custody.
According to the Kansas City Fire Department, three victims are in critical condition and five are in serious condition. The shooting took place west of Union Station, near the garage, as Chiefs fans were leaving. The parade drew about 1 million paradegoers on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the rally ended and the Chiefs went into Union Station, and fans followed the players to get autographs. “Then, all of a sudden they all started running out, and you see all these policemen come running in there — and you knew something happened in the station,” one witness said.
All Chiefs players, coaches, and staff are safe, officials said. Players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebacker Drue Tranquill, and guard Trey Smith, are speaking out on social media. Eyewitnesses recounted taking cover, running from the scene, and seeking refuge wherever they could.
The police chief expressed anger over the incident, stating, “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.” Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and his wife were present when the shots broke out, but they were unharmed thanks to the quick actions of security officers and first responders.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting, according to the White House, as the investigation continues. This tragic event has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyous celebration for the Super Bowl champions. As the situation unfolds, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.