New Delhi: A sudden outbreak of gunfire took place in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, leading to death of one person and causing injuries to 21 others. The incident took place amidst the festivities celebrating the Super Bowl victory of the NFL champion Chiefs, prompting a frantic evacuation of fans seeking safety.
During a press conference, Police Chief Stacey Graves revealed that three individuals have been detained and are currently under investigation in connection with the incident outside the iconic Union Station in Kansas City.
Fire Department Chief Ross Grundyson reported that a minimum of 22 individuals were hit by gunfire, with one fatality, as he shared during a late-afternoon press conference. He highlighted that 15 of those injured were facing life-threatening conditions.
Chief Graves acknowledged unconfirmed reports that suggested some fans might have been involved in pursuing and apprehending at least one of the suspects.
A contingent of approximately 800 law enforcement officers, including FBI and ATF agents, was present at the rally and preceding parade. The NFL team, the Chiefs, reassured that all players, coaches, and staff present at the victory rally were safe.
Authorities were still in the process of determining the exact number and details of casualties several hours after the incident.
A dozen patients, including 11 juveniles, were treated at Children’s Mercy Kansas City after the shooting at the rally. Nine of the victims suffered gunshot wounds, as confirmed by a hospital spokesperson. Police Chief Graves stated during the news conference that no children were among the wounded.
University Health hospital received at least five injured individuals from the shooting, according to a spokesperson from the hospital.
The gunfire, which occurred near a garage close to the station, happened at the conclusion of the victory rally following a parade, as reported by the police.
Social media videos depicted chaos outside the station, showing numerous uniformed police officers with weapons drawn running towards the building, while crowds of onlookers fled in the opposite direction. Rapid-fire gunshots were audible in footage shared online by ABC News.
Union Station, a historic Beaux Arts building in operation for 109 years, once a crucial hub for US rail traffic, now houses a museum and various attractions. It also serves as a terminal for Amtrak passenger service.
Described on its website as Kansas City’s symbol of inclusion, inspiration, learning, and civic celebration, Union Station hosted the Super Bowl celebration featuring Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, while Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, was touring in Australia during the event.
Patrick Mahomes expressed his thoughts on the incident with a message on social media, saying, “Praying for Kansas City” along with praying-hands emojis. Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill, present at the parade, requested prayers for everyone involved, emphasizing steady hands for doctors and first responders.
The NFL issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the shooting following the Chiefs’ celebration, extending thoughts to the victims and those affected. Missouri Governor Mike Parson and his wife, present during the incident, were reported safe, with the governor thanking law enforcement for their response. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was also in attendance at the rally when the shots were fired.
Union Station, the venue for the celebration, has a vision to be a symbol of inclusion and inspiration in Kansas City. Notably, on June 17, 1933, Union Station witnessed a historical event known as the Kansas City Massacre, involving an outdoor shootout resulting in the murder of four law enforcement officers and a criminal fugitive.
The violence on this Wednesday occurred on the sixth anniversary of the infamous mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 people were killed and 17 others were injured. The shooter, a former student at the time, pleaded guilty and received a life sentence.