Kansas City, Missouri, was the scene of a tragic shooting on Wednesday as the city celebrated the Super Bowl victory of the Kansas City Chiefs. Local officials reported at least one person killed and 21 others injured near the finish line of the parade.
The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department identified the area near Union Station as the location of the shooting, which occurred just after 2 p.m. local time. People were urged to leave the area as shots were fired from a nearby garage.
During a press conference, officials revealed that three individuals were under investigation in connection with the incident. They reported that a total of 22 people, including one fatality, sustained gunshot wounds during the shooting. Among the victims, eight had life-threatening injuries, while seven others suffered injuries categorized as life-threatening, and six had minor injuries.
With heavy law enforcement presence at the parade, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed the disbelief of how such an incident could still occur despite the security measures. The tragic event took place as a sea of fans fled from Union Station following the end of the parade.
Shooting incidents in Kansas City reached record levels in 2023, with 182 murders reported by the police. Data from the Gun Violence Archive reveals that as of Wednesday, there have been 47 mass shootings resulting in 77 deaths and 152 injuries, marking the lowest count in three years. This year’s shootings, while lower in number, has resulted in a higher death toll than previous years during the same time period.
Amid the chaos, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared a message of prayer for the city, while the franchise expressed its deep sadness towards the senseless act of violence. The city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy, as officials pursue details about the suspects and the motive behind the attack.