KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One individual is useless, and 21 others have been wounded by gunfire in a mass capturing on the finish of the Chiefs’ Tremendous Bowl parade Wednesday, in response to authorities.
Three folks have been detained and are underneath investigation, Kansas Metropolis Police Chief Stacey Graves stated throughout a information convention Wednesday night.
Of the folks 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 Hearth Chief Ross Grundyson stated on the information convention.
“I am offended at what occurred at this time,” Graves stated. “The individuals who got here to this celebration ought to count on a secure atmosphere.”
Kansas Metropolis radio station KKFI stated considered one of its DJs, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was the host of “Style of Tejano,” died within the capturing. It was not instantly clear whether or not her loss of life was the one introduced by authorities.
“This mindless act has taken a good looking individual from her household and this KC Neighborhood,” the station stated in an announcement.
Lopez-Galvan, whose DJ title was “Lisa G,” was an extrovert and devoted mom of two from a outstanding 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 employees have been secure and accounted for, which was later confirmed by the staff in an announcement.
“We’re actually saddened by the mindless act of violence that occurred exterior Union Station on the conclusion of at this time’s parade and rally,” the staff stated within the assertion. “Our hearts exit to the victims, their households and all of Kansas Metropolis.”
Stephanie Meyer, chief nursing officer for Kids’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 informed KMBC-TV that 9 of the kids had gunshot wounds. Meyer stated all have been anticipated to get well.
When requested in regards to the situation of the kids, Meyer responded: “Concern. The one phrase I’d use to explain what we noticed and the way they got here to us was worry.”
College Well being spokeswoman Nancy Lewis stated the hospital was treating eight gunshot victims. Two have been in essential situation and 6 have been in steady situation, she stated. The hospital additionally was treating 4 folks for different accidents ensuing from the chaos after the capturing, Lewis stated.
St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas Metropolis obtained one gunshot affected person in essential situation and three walk-ins with accidents that weren’t life-threatening, spokesperson Laurel Gifford stated.
College of Kansas Well being System obtained no less than one individual injured within the capturing.
The NFL stated in an announcement, “We’re deeply saddened by the mindless capturing that occurred at this time close to the tip 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 stunning video. One consumer’s video confirmed somebody apparently performing chest compressions on a capturing 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 sort out somebody, holding that individual down till two law enforcement officials 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 in regards to the individuals who have been detained or a couple of attainable 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, informed ESPN’s Paula Lavigne that the capturing began “instantly after the final speech” on the rally.
“I noticed folks 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 everyone began working, we had no alternative however to begin working. Once I seemed again, I stored searching for the shooter as a result of I wished to verify we weren’t working towards the shooter. I could not see a shooter. I noticed folks down, a number of folks 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 onerous to explain.”
A number of Chiefs gamers took to social media to precise their concern for the victims after the capturing.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes posted on X, “Praying for Kansas Metropolis…,” additionally together with three emojis of arms in prayer.
Tight finish Travis Kelce posted as properly, writing: “I’m heartbroken over the tragedy that befell at this time. My coronary heart is with all who got here out to rejoice with us and have been affected. KC, you imply the world to me.”
Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill posted on X, “Please be a part of me in prayer for all of the victims on this heinous act. Pray that medical doctors & first responders would have regular arms & that every one would expertise full therapeutic.”
Offensive lineman Trey Smith wrote, “My ideas and prayers are with everybody affected by at this time’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 at this time.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and first girl Teresa Parson have been on the parade when photographs have been fired however are secure, Parson posted on X.
“State legislation enforcement personnel are aiding 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 capturing and obtained updates all through the day, stated the tragedy “cuts deep within the American soul” and referred to as on folks to press Congress to ban assault weapons, restrict high-capacity gun magazines and act on different gun measures.
“Immediately’s occasions ought to transfer us, shock us, disgrace us into performing,” Biden stated. “What are we ready for?”
The capturing broke the celebratory temper on Valentine’s Day as Chiefs followers marked their third Tremendous Bowl title in 5 seasons.
Areas that had been crammed with crowds have been empty after the capturing, 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 capturing that injured no less than 10 folks final 12 months in downtown Denver after the Nuggets’ NBA championship, and gunfire final 12 months at a car parking zone close to the Texas Rangers’ World Collection championship parade.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
