2024 Kansas City parade shooting

Coordinates: 39°05′01″N 94°35′10″W / 39.08355°N 94.58618°W / 39.08355; -94.58618
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2024 Kansas City parade shooting
Kansas City Union Station photographed in 2010; the shooting took place near the intersection on the bottom left.
Map
LocationKansas City Union Station
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Coordinates39°05′01″N 94°35′10″W / 39.08355°N 94.58618°W / 39.08355; -94.58618[1]
DateFebruary 14, 2024; 4 days ago (2024-02-14)
c. 2:00 p.m. (CST)
Attack type
Mass shooting
Deaths1
Injured33 (22 by gunshot[2], 11 by other circumstances[3])
Arrests2

On February 14, 2024, 22 people were shot in a mass shooting at the west side of Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. One person was killed and 21 others were injured, including 11 children. The shooting followed a Super Bowl LVIII victory parade for the Kansas City Chiefs.[4][2]

Background[edit]

Kansas City, Missouri, has a union station with Amtrak railroad service, built in 1914.[5] It was the site of the 1933 Kansas City massacre, a mafia mass shooting of law enforcement agents.[6][7] The station became a tourist and community center for hosting countless mass gatherings, including the 2023 NFL Draft, the 2015 World Series Parade, and Super Bowl parades in 2020 and 2023.

On February 11, 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII. On February 14, a victory parade and rally were held, with a municipal budget of almost US$1 million being allocated.[8] The parade ran 2 miles (3.2 km) from Sixth Street to Union Station, culminating with the team and dignitaries giving speeches at the rally in front of the building.[9] More than 600 Kansas City Police Department officers and 200 other officers were staffed around the events.[10][11] The crowd was estimated at one million,[3] including many families due to Kansas City metropolitan area schools canceling classes for it.[12]

Missouri is an open carry gun state for those of the legal age 19. [13] Missouri's gun laws do not require residents to have a state permit or licensing requirement before buying or owning rifles, shotguns, or handguns. Carrying of such firearms, does prohibit exhibiting “any weapon readily capable of lethal use” in an angry or threatening manner in the presence of one or more persons.[14][15]

Shooting[edit]

The shooting occurred at approximately 2 p.m. CST, immediately after the parade rally.[2][16] According to a reporter attending the rally, loud pops could be heard as the confetti began to fall and the Kansas City Chiefs and staff were inside Union Station.[17][18] Some witnesses claimed that they had heard an altercation before the shooting, with one reporting hearing a woman telling someone else "Don't do it, not here, this is stupid." Another saw an individual draw a gun with a woman holding the gunman back, and the crowd backed away as he began to shoot while spinning in a circle.[3] One of the suspected shooters was chased and tackled by attendees.[18]

Some of the Chiefs players sheltered in place with attendees, such as Trey Smith and James Winchester in a small closet, and helped maintain calm until evacuation.[3] Another attendee who sheltered inside Union Station recalled being told by a security guard to hop the fence due to the shooter, and witnessed head coach Andy Reid and players calming down panicked children. Chiefs players and their families who had attended the parade were escorted from the area and taken back to Arrowhead Stadium shortly after the shooting.[19]

Victims[edit]

Twenty-three people were shot, resulting in one homicide and twenty-two injuries. Six people were seriously wounded by gunshots, five were less seriously wounded, and three were injured by other means.[20] The only fatality was Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a Tejano DJ for local radio station KKFI, who died at the scene of the shooting.[21][22][23]

Four hospitals received 30 patients, of whom 19 had gunshot wounds.[3] Children's Mercy Hospital received 11 child victims aged between six and fifteen years old, nine of whom had been shot.[11][3]

Suspects[edit]

Three suspects were initially apprehended, two of whom were armed.[24] Two of the three suspects detained were juveniles.[25][26] One of the suspects, who was tackled by fans, was in possession of a significantly sawn-off, custom-barrel semi-automatic rifle. [27]

One suspect was released after it was determined the individual was not involved with the shooting. The two juvenile suspects remain in custody.[3] On February 16, the two suspects were charged with gun-related crimes and resisting arrest, with additional charges expected to come.[28]

Investigation[edit]

Kansas City police are coordinating with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to collect physical and digital evidence and interview witnesses and victims.[3] An FBI online portal was created for anyone to submit digital evidence.[29]

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves stated during a news conference concerning the preliminary investigative findings “we are working tirelessly to investigate her murder" [3] that the shooting appeared to have been a "dispute between several people that ended in gunfire", and that there is no indication of a "nexus to terrorism or homegrown violent extremism".[3]

Reactions[edit]

Missouri Governor Mike Parson attended the station and posted on social media, "State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts." [30] Missouri legislator and 2024 Anti-Crime Committee member Manny Abarca IV was present during the shooting, and stated his view that Lopez-Galvan and other victims of gun violence in the US, are never forgotten. President Joe Biden was briefed, and Mayor Quinton Lucas received calls from the White House offering assistance in the investigation.[31] The House of Representatives held a moment of silence, led by Kansas City area House congressional members Emanuel Cleaver, Sharice Davids, Mark Alford, and Ann Wagner.[32] The Chiefs and the NFL expressed condolences.[33][34] Other local teams, including the Kansas City Royals, also expressed condolences.[35]

The Chiefs launched a fund called KC Strong in partnership with United Way of Greater Kansas City, with money raised going to support victims of the shooting, their families and first responders, as well towards violence prevention and mental health support services.[36] The Chiefs, the Hunt Family Foundation and the NFL donated $200,000 to the fund.[36] Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes donated $50,000 to the fund, and visited victims of the shooting in hospital.[37] Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, whose relationship drew media attention during the season, each donated $100,000 to a GoFundMe page set up by the family of Lopez-Galvan.[38][39]

American former soccer player and analyst Taylor Twellman expressed outrage on social media on the lack of gun control legislation, stating that visitors to the 2026 FIFA World Cup (including six games in Kansas City) would not feel safe.[40][41] Parents of shooting victims of the Parkland high school shooting on February 14, 2018, six years prior, expressed their dismay and lack of surprise due to lax gun laws, while discussing their own shooting anniversary.[42] Kostas Moros, an attorney representing the California Rifle & Pistol Association, argued that calls for gun control were misplaced, noting that at least two of the suspects were juveniles who cannot legally purchase or carry firearms.[43]

Social media users spread misinformation about the identity of a suspect, falsely claiming that a 44-year-old migrant named "Sahil Omar" was the shooter.[44]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Koch, Makenzie (February 14, 2024). "2 killed, over 20 injured in shooting near Chiefs Super Bowl rally". FOX4 Kansas City. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024. The shooting happened near West Pershing and Kessler roads.
  2. ^ a b c Jiménez, Jesus; Fortin, Jacey (February 14, 2024). "One Dead and at Least 21 Others Shot at Super Bowl Celebration in Kansas City". The New York Times. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Salahieh, Nouran; Andone, Dakin; Prokupecz, Shimon; Campbell, Josh (February 15, 2024). "Kansas City shooting may have stemmed from personal dispute, police say; 2 juveniles detained". CNN. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  4. ^ "Twenty-two people shot, including one killed, at Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally". Kansas City Star. February 15, 2024.
  5. ^ Edmonds, Colbi (February 14, 2024). "Union Station, more than a century old, draws tourists to the city's center". The New York Times. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  6. ^ King, Jeffery S. (1999). The Life and Death of Pretty Boy Floyd. Kent State University Press. ISBN 9780873386500.
  7. ^ Clayton, Merle (1975). Union Station Massacre: The Shootout That Started the FBI's War on Crime. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill. ISBN 9780672518997. OCLC 1801290.
  8. ^ Hollingsworth, Heather (February 12, 2024). "Chiefs fans are hoping for a Taylor Swift appearance at the victory parade. But her schedule is tight". Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  9. ^ Hernandez, Joseph; Cronkleton, Robert A. (February 14, 2024). "Here's your guide to safety and security along Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade route". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  10. ^ "Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said more than 800 law enforcement officers were at the parade and rally". The Washington Post. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Sloan, Nick (February 14, 2024). "Live Coverage: Children's Mercy Hospital treating 11 children after mass shooting at Chiefs parade". Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  12. ^ Hernandez, Joseph (February 12, 2024). "These Kansas City area schools have canceled classes for the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade". Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 14, 2024 – via Yahoo.
  13. ^ McCaskill, Claire (February 14, 2024). "Kansas City shooting is the heartbreaking consequence of a deadly love affair". MSNBC. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  14. ^ "Missouri Gun Laws and Regulations Explained". nraila.org. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  15. ^ "Live updates: Chiefs Super Bowl rally shooting leaves one dead and multiple injured". CNN. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  16. ^ Diaz, Jaclyn (February 14, 2024). "1 dead, up to 21 injured in shooting at Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl rally". NPR. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  17. ^ "Kansas City mayor addresses shooting at Chiefs' parade - ESPN Video". ESPN. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  18. ^ a b Moore, Julia (February 15, 2024). "Hero Dad Who Tackled a Suspect in Chiefs Parade Shooting Speaks Out: I Heard 'Get Him'". Peoplemag. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  19. ^ Hatcher, Kirsty (February 15, 2024). "Teen at Chiefs Parade Shooting Reveals How Coach Andy Reid Comforted Him: 'He Was Hugging Me'". Peoplemag. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  20. ^ "Radio DJ killed, over 20 injured in shooting near Chiefs Super Bowl rally". fox4kc news. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  21. ^ Dailey, Greg (February 15, 2024). "Radio station confirms host Lisa Lopez-Galvan died in Union Station shooting". www.kctv5.com. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  22. ^ Oladipo, Gloria; Luscombe, Richard; Anguiano, Dani (February 14, 2024). "At least one killed and 21 injured in Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting". The Guardian. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  23. ^ Adler, Eric; Klick, Andrea (February 16, 2024). "'My sister got killed': Brother details shooting death at Kansas City Chiefs rally". The Kansas City Star.
  24. ^ Wallington, Natalie (February 15, 2024). "What we know so far about the mass shooting in Kansas City following the Chiefs parade". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  25. ^ Sarnoff, Leah; Winsor, Morgan. "Shooting at Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl celebration: Bystanders who helped tackle suspect speak out". ABC News. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  26. ^ Kansas City Chiefs parade and rally shooting investigation continues Thursday, mayor says KMBC-TV
  27. ^ Helsel, Phil (February 14, 2024). "Video shows moments after fans tackle person when shots rang out at Chiefs parade". NBC. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  28. ^ Ingram, Nick; McFetridge, Scott; Salter, Jim (February 16, 2024). "2 juveniles charged in mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade". AP News. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  29. ^ Masih, Niha; Somasundaram, Praveena; Rosenzweig-Ziff, Dan (February 15, 2024). "What we know about the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs parade". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  30. ^ "One dead, nine injured in shooting at Chiefs' victory parade". ESPN. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  31. ^ "One dead and more than 20 injured in Super Bowl parade shooting". BBC News. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  32. ^ Desrochers, Daniel (February 14, 2024). "'This is ugly': Tearful Cleaver wants action after shooting at Kansas City Chiefs celebration". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  33. ^ Gupta, Gaya (February 14, 2024). "Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City quarterback who led his team to victory on Sunday, said he was "praying for Kansas City" on social media". The New York Times. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  34. ^ Powell, Tori B.; Hammond, Elise; Chowdhury, Maureen (February 14, 2024). "1 person dead, more than 20 wounded in shooting following Super Bowl parade". CNN.
  35. ^ Kansas City's professional sports teams react to mass shooting at rally after Chiefs parade KMBC-TV
  36. ^ a b Alper, Josh (February 16, 2024). "Chiefs launch KC Strong fund for victims, first responders, violence prevention and mental health services". NBC Sports. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  37. ^ "Chiefs, NFL, Taylor Swift Donate to Victims and First Responders in KC Shooting". Sports Illustrated. February 17, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  38. ^ Haring, Bruce (February 16, 2024). "Travis Kelce Matches Taylor Swift's $100K Charity Donation To KC Shooting Victims". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  39. ^ Willman, Chris (February 16, 2024). "Taylor Swift Donates $100K to GoFundMe for Family of Woman Killed at Chiefs Victory Parade". Variety. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  40. ^ Twellman, Taylor [@TaylorTwellman] (February 14, 2024). "If you argue against the regulation of fire arms after seeing 10 people shot at a #SuperBowl parade, then get your brain checked to see if it works. And while you are at it, check the heart too. Disgraceful. Imagine when the World Cup is here why would a visitor feel safe?!" (Tweet). Retrieved February 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ Siwak, Miranda (February 15, 2024). "NFL Stars and Celebrities React to Shooting at Kansas City Chiefs' 2024 Super Bowl Parade". Us Magazine. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  42. ^ Flam, Charna (February 14, 2024). "Parkland Parents Respond to Kansas City Shooting 6 Years After School Gunman Killed 17". Peoplemag. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  43. ^ Moros, Kostas [@MorosKostas] (February 15, 2024). "Two suspects are juveniles. While we'll see about the circumstances of the 3rd, the immediate agitating re background checks and complaints about constitutional carry seem misplaced. Juveniles can't legally buy guns, nor carry them" (Tweet). Retrieved February 15, 2024 – via Twitter.
  44. ^ Byik, Andre (February 15, 2024). "'Sahil Omar' not named suspect in Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting". USA Today. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
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