Three people were arrested in connection with these shootings. Eight patients whose lives were in danger were hospitalized.
Published on February 14, 2024 9:38 p.m. Updated on February 15, 2024 10:13 a.m
Reading time: 2 minutes
Police officers in Kansas City, USA, February 14, 2024. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
The Chiefs party was ruined. Shootings on Wednesday, February 14, in Kansas City during the parade celebrating the local team's Super Bowl victory left at least one person dead and 21 injured, authorities in that Missouri city said. The Kansas City police chief said three people have been arrested in connection with the shooting.
Eight patients whose lives were in danger were taken to the hospital within 10 minutes of the shooting, the fire chief said at a news conference. Children's Mercy Hospital said it was treating 12 injured people from the gathering, including 11 children ages 6 to 15. Nine were shot, but all are expected to recover from their injuries.
A “senseless act of violence”
The shooting occurred near the train station parking lot as the parade was winding down and the traditional convoy of double-decker buses was heading up Grand Boulevard toward Union Station. “I thought it was fireworks,” John O'Connor told the Kansas City Star, explaining that he heard “between 15 and 20 shots in a short period of time.”
In a statement, the Kansas City Chiefs said they were “saddened” and condemned a “senseless act of violence,” adding that all of their players, coaches and staff, as well as their families, were safe. Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes said, “Pray for Kansas City,” in a post on X.
I am heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred today. My heart goes out to everyone who celebrated with us and was affected. KC, you mean the world to me.
– Travis Kelce (@tkelce) February 15, 2024
Travis Kelce, another Chiefs player and companion of megastar Taylor Swift, said he was “broken by the tragedy.” The singer, who will perform a concert in Melbourne, Australia on Friday, was not present at the parade. According to Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, authorities have been in contact with the White House, which has offered federal assistance.