Kansas City police have refused to rule out terrorism in the Kansas City shooting that left 21 people injured, despite images showing an assault rifle at the scene.
Images taken at the scene show the rifle next to a backpack after a deadly shooting that left one person dead on Wednesday.
Gunmen opened fire shortly after the Kansas City Chiefs left the stage on what should have been a triumphant day for the city following their Super Bowl victory.
Footage captured at the scene showed the moment the person with the assault rifle was arrested by a Chiefs fan.
While the man is pinned to the ground, a woman can be seen grabbing the gun and moving it away.
Those two people have now been identified as a couple, Trey and Casey Filter, who were watching the parade with their children when the chaos unfolded.
Images obtained by NewsNation show the rifle next to a backpack after the fatal shooting that left one person dead on Wednesday.
Trey and Casey Filter were watching the parade in Kansas City with their two sons when they suddenly jumped into action…literally…they attacked the shooter and couldn't believe they had caught him. pic.twitter.com/Qs9Yv6euLc
– Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) February 15, 2024
Trey and Casey Filter, who had been watching the parade with their children when the chaos unfolded
Speak with Chris Cuomo on NewsNationCasey told the outlet, “I think we just fought or fled and just did what we felt we had to do in that moment.”
“I don’t think we could have walked away so easily.
Trey added, “On the way home we realized how close we were to being part of the first filming.”
“Of course we couldn’t have gotten much closer to the weapon there.” It’s just really a lot to process and be grateful for.
Casey added: “They're pretty proud of their dad, that's about all I can say about the boys. “They're proud.
'When I saw [the gun] It was on the floor in front of me at my feet, so I saw it and just moved it.'
Explaining how he managed to catch the suspected shooter, Trey said, “I turn around and see a flash and think to myself, I hope it's him.”
“I just remember barely seeing the guy and not being able to believe I caught him. I remember thinking, “Man, I hope that’s him.”
Casy Filter (circled) is seen here picking up the gun after her husband and others tackle the suspected shooter
After the incident on Wednesday afternoon, heroic fans ran to fight the gunman
In addition to the Filter family, 46-year-old Paul Contreras also recalled the adrenaline-filled encounter he had when he lunged at one of the three arrested gunmen.
Contreras, who attended the event with his daughter Alyssa, was filmed by his daughter as he lunged at the suspect.
“One guy yelled and said, 'Stop him – catch him, tackle him, whatever,'” Contreras recalled, while footage from others showed the actual attack in real time.
“And he barely walks,” he continued. “And out of nowhere I hear this guy yelling, so I'm just like, 'Okay, I'm here.'
The dutiful father continued: “I haven't thought about it.” It's just a reaction. I didn't hesitate – just do it.'
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, police officers arrived to help the good Samaritan.
Contreras told KETV 7 Omaha, “So I went to attack him and another gentleman did the same thing.”
“And as I'm attacking him,” he continued, “I see that a gun has fallen either out of his hand or out of his sleeve – because he was wearing a long jacket, like a Carhartt.”
“When I see that hit the ground,” he continued, “then I think, you know, we have to take this guy down.”
People flee after shots were fired near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory parade
Together with his daughter, 46-year-old Paul Contreras recalled the encounter that 23-year-old Alyssa was able to capture on her cell phone as her father jumped into action.
The man, who has yet to be identified, appears to be at least one of three people believed to have carried out the attack
Police officials briefed on the case told NBC that they believe the shooting was criminal in nature but that it was not related to terrorism.
Officials said: “This is not about hate and it is not terrorism, but we are investigating the situation.”
Children's Mercy Kansas City said the hospital was treating 12 patients, including 11 children, nine of whom had gunshot wounds, according to TMZ
St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City admitted one gunshot wound patient in critical condition and three hospitalized patients with non-life-threatening injuries, spokeswoman Laurel Gifford said.
“When there are so many injured people, it will be spread across many hospitals so that no single emergency room is overwhelmed,” she said.
In a press conference last hour, Police Chief Stacey Graves said: “We are working to determine whether any of the three are the ones seen in the video of fans helping police.”
Graves also said that firearms were recovered after the shooting: “We have recovered firearms. 'I don't have a number or a caliber for you.'
No charges have been announced and police said no motive has been determined. Police described those in custody as detained
After shots were fired at the Kansas City Chiefs' Superbowl parade, a large police presence descended on Union Square. It is unclear whether the person pictured was involved
Emergency responders, left, bring a stretcher into Union Station after the shooting
Police are seen here clearing the area after the incident on Wednesday afternoon
No charges have been announced and police said no motive has been determined. Police described those in custody as detained.
While Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said eight victims immediately suffered life-threatening injuries.
Fans were seen fleeing the scene and several people were wheeled away on stretchers.
Another man wearing a red hoodie was also pictured being arrested, although it is unclear whether he was one of those involved in the shooting.
The first shooting victim was identified Wednesday evening as local DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan.
The Kansas City Star first reported that Lisa Lopez-Galvan died in Wednesday's shooting.
Close friends confirmed to the outlet that Lopez-Galvan died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen during surgery at a hospital.
The Kansas City Star reported that Lisa Lopez-Galvan died in Wednesday's shooting
Close friends confirmed to the outlet that Lopez-Galvan died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen during surgery at a hospital
A friend of Lopez-Galvan's, Lisa Lopez, told the outlet, “She was the most wonderful, beautiful person.”
“She was a local DJ. She celebrated all the weddings. We all know them. She was so full of life.'
The Star reported that Lopez-Galvan was married with two children and worked as a DJ for a community radio station.
She co-hosted “Taste of Tejano,” which focused on Hispanic music, with her brother Beto Lopez.
The incident occurred shortly after superstars including quarterback Mahomes greeted fans following the team's historic 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
When the shooting began, the team was on buses heading back to Arrowhead Stadium.
Heartbroken, Mahomes later took to social media to express his condolences. “Praying for Kansas City,” he wrote.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (center) dances with his team during the NFL football team's Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (right) thanks the crowd for their support, with tight end Travis Kelce behind him and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (left) at their Kansas victory rally
The White House said in a statement: “The President has been briefed on the shooting in Kansas City and will continue to receive updates.”
“White House officials have been in contact with state and local leaders, and federal law enforcement is on scene assisting local law enforcement.”
The Chiefs said in a statement: “We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred at the end of today's parade and rally outside Union Station.”
“Our condolences go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City.” At this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and will be held accountable.
“We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on scene to assist.”
The NFL issued your own statement It said it was “deeply saddened” and added that its thoughts were with the victims and all those affected.