One person was killed and at least 21 others were injured in a shooting that followed a parade and rally for the Chiefs' Super Bowl championship in Kansas City, Missouri, officials said Wednesday.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a news conference Wednesday that three suspects were taken into custody pending investigation and called the shooting a “tragedy.”
Kansas City Fire Department Interim Chief Ross Grandison said the shooting victims were taken to multiple hospitals in the area, eight with “immediate” life-threatening injuries and seven with non-life-threatening injuries. It is said that
Children's Mercy Kansas City Hospital treated a total of 12 patients who attended the rally, including 11 children between the ages of 6 and 15, said Stephanie Meyer, senior vice president and chief nursing officer. he told reporters on Wednesday. Nine of the patients were gunshot victims, and three were being treated for “accidental injuries.” All are expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities are still working to determine the total number of victims of the incident.
On Wednesday night, KKFI 90.1 FM confirmed that the station's DJ, Lisa López Galván, died in the incident.
“Today, it is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the loss of life of KKFI DJ and Taste of Tejano host Lisa Lopez in a shooting at a KC Chiefs rally. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Our hearts and prayers are with her family. Anyone who believes they witnessed something is encouraged to contact law enforcement at 816 234 5111,” the department's statement said.
“This foolish act robbed her family and this KC community of a beautiful person,” the KKFI statement concluded.
Kansas City police said the shooting occurred outside near a garage west of Union Station as Chiefs fans were leaving. The scene remains active and investigators “have to cover a lot of ground,” Graves said.
At least one firearm was recovered, the chief said. The motive remains unclear.
About 1 million parade participants were expected to attend Wednesday's celebration.
After the rally ended, the Chiefs entered Union Station and fans followed the players to get autographs, parade participant Arnold Sauser said.
“Then, all of a sudden, everyone started running, and I saw a bunch of cops running in, and I knew something had happened at the station,” Souther told the Kansas City ABC affiliate. told KMBC.
Witness Jennifer Wilbers told KMBC that she heard gunshots and ran away.
“I looked over and saw a man on the ground next to me,” she told police.
One woman told KMBC that she hid near the elevator and was “praying.”
“I heard screaming and didn't know if it was safe to leave, so I tried to block the door. I heard the elevator start moving, so I opened the door and jumped out. There were police officers there. ” she said. station. “I have never been so happy to meet a police officer in my life.”
The police chief said 800 law enforcement officers participated in the parade and rally.
“I'm angry,” Graves said. “Those who come to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
All Chiefs players, coaches and staff are safe, officials said.
Players including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebacker Drew Tranquil and guard Trey Smith spoke out about the shooting on social media.
“Please join me in praying for all the victims of this heinous act,” Tranquil said. I wrote to X. “Please pray that the doctors and first responders will respond well and that everyone will experience a complete healing.”
Smith thanked first responders who “ran towards the sounds of danger.”
“You are the ones who should be celebrated today,” he said. Posted.
Travis Kelsey told X: “I am heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred today. My heart goes out to those who celebrated with me and to everyone who has been affected. KC, you are mine. It means the world to me,” he wrote.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said he and First Lady Teresa Parson were attending a celebration when the shooting occurred.
“Thanks to the professionalism of our security guards and first responders, Teresa and I, and our staff, feel safe and secure,” he said in a statement.
“We commend local first responders and the Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team for their quick actions to thwart the threat and treat those in need,” his statement continued. “State and local law enforcement prepared, planned, and responded in the face of danger, and undoubtedly saved lives. …As we wait for more details, we would like to express our condolences to the victims of this senseless violence. I offer my heart and prayers.”
President Joe Biden was briefed on the shooting, the White House said.
ABC News' Nadine El Bawab and Lia Sarnoff contributed to this report.
