At the very least 8 youngsters amongst 22 hit by gunfire at finish of Chiefs’ Tremendous Bowl parade; 1 particular person killed

 Eight youngsters had been amongst 22 individuals hit by gunfire in a taking pictures on the finish of Wednesday’s parade to rejoice the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, authorities stated, as terrified followers ran for canopy and yet one more high-profile public occasion was marred by gun violence. One particular person was killed.

Kansas Metropolis Police Chief Stacey Graves detailed the taking pictures’s toll at a information convention and stated three individuals had been taken into custody. She stated she has heard that followers might have been concerned in apprehending a suspect however could not instantly verify that.

“I am offended at what occurred at present. The individuals who got here to this celebration ought to anticipate a secure atmosphere.” Graves stated. Police didn’t instantly launch any particulars concerning the individuals taken into custody or a few doable motive for the shootings. She stated firearms had been recovered, however not what sort of weapons had been used.

“There’s plenty of work forward. That is only the start phases,” she stated. “All of that’s being actively investigated.”

It’s the newest sports activities celebration within the U.S. to be marred by gun violence, following a taking pictures that injured a number of individuals last year 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.

Social media customers posted surprising video of police operating by means of a crowded scene as individuals hurriedly scrambled for canopy and fled. One video confirmed somebody apparently performing chest compressions on a taking pictures sufferer as one other particular person, seemingly writhing in ache, lay on the bottom close by. Individuals screamed within the background.

One other video confirmed two individuals chase and sort out an individual, holding them down till two law enforcement officials arrived.

Wednesday’s taking pictures exterior Union Station occurred regardless of greater than 800 law enforcement officials who had been within the constructing and across the space, together with on high of close by buildings, stated Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended together with his spouse and mom and needed to run for canopy when gunfire broke out.

“I feel that is one thing that every one of us who’re dad and mom, who’re simply common individuals dwelling every day, need to resolve what we want to do about,” Lucas stated. “Parades, rallies, colleges, motion pictures. It looks as if nearly nothing is secure.”

Kansas Metropolis has lengthy struggled with gun violence, and in 2020 it was among nine cities focused by the U.S. Justice Division in an effort to crack down on violent crime. In 2023 town matched a report with 182 homicides, most of which concerned weapons.

Lucas has joined with mayors throughout the nation in calling for brand new legal guidelines to scale back gun violence, together with mandating common background checks.

Lisa Cash, a resident of town, was attempting to collect some confetti close to the tip of the parade when she heard someone yell, “Down, down, everyone down!”

At first Cash thought someone may be joking till she noticed the SWAT workforce leaping over the fence.

“I can not consider it actually occurred. Who of their proper thoughts would do one thing like this? That is presupposed to be a day of celebration for everyone within the metropolis and the encircling space. and then you definitely’ve acquired some fool that wishes to come back alongside and do one thing like this,” she stated.

Kevin Sanders, 53, of Lenexa, Kansas, stated he heard what gave the impression of firecrackers after which individuals began operating. After that preliminary flurry, calm returned, and he did not assume a lot of it. However 10 minutes later, ambulances began exhibiting up.

“It sucks that somebody needed to break the celebration, however we’re in a giant metropolis,” Sanders stated.

College Well being spokeswoman Nancy Lewis stated the hospital was treating eight gunshot victims. Two had been in vital situation and 6 had been in secure situation, she stated. The hospital additionally was treating 4 individuals for different accidents ensuing from the chaos after the taking pictures, Lewis stated.

Lisa Augustine, spokesperson for Kids’s Mercy Kansas Metropolis, stated the hospital was treating 12 sufferers from the rally, together with 11 youngsters, a few of whom suffered gunshot wounds.

St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas Metropolis obtained one gunshot affected person in vital situation and three walk-ins with accidents that weren’t life-threatening, spokesperson Laurel Gifford stated.

“When you have got this many casualties, it will get unfold out amongst plenty of hospitals in order that you do not overwhelm any single ER,” she stated.

Chiefs coach Rick Burkholder stated that he was with coach Andy Reid and different coaches and employees members on the time of the taking pictures, and that the team was on buses and returning to Arrowhead Stadium.

“We’re actually saddened by the mindless act of violence that occurred exterior of Union Station on the conclusion of at present’s parade and rally,” the workforce stated in a press release.

Missouri’s Republican Gov. Mike Parson and first girl Teresa Parson had been on the parade throughout the gunfire however had been unharmed. “Due to the professionalism of our safety officers and first responders, Teresa and I and our employees are secure and safe,” Parson stated in a press release.

President Joe Biden was briefed on the taking pictures and can proceed to obtain updates, a White Home spokesperson stated. White Home officers had been in contact with state and native leaders, and federal regulation enforcement was on the scene supporting their native counterparts.

Areas that had been stuffed with crowds had been empty after the taking pictures, with police and firefighters standing and speaking behind an space restricted by yellow tape.

Throngs had lined the route earlier, with followers climbing bushes and avenue poles or standing on rooftops for a greater view. Gamers rolled by means of the group on double-decker buses, as DJs and drummers heralded their arrival. Proprietor Clark Hunt was on one of many buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy.

Town and the workforce every chipped in round $1 million for the occasion commemorating Travis Kelce, Mahomes and the Chiefs changing into the primary workforce since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 20 years in the past to defend their title.

After a long time with no championship, town has gained expertise with victory parades. 5 seasons in the past the Chiefs defeated the 49ers for the workforce’s first Tremendous Bowl championship in 50 years. That adopted the Kansas Metropolis Royals successful the World Collection in 2015, town’s first baseball championship in 30 years.

Then final 12 months the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 and prophetically vowed they might be again for extra.