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One person was killed and at least 21 others were wounded by gunfire when gunfire broke out in Kansas City, Missouri, after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade and rally, officials said Wednesday.
The shooting took place west of Union Station, near the garage, as Chiefs fans were leaving, according to Kansas City police.
Assistant Arnold Sauther said that when the rally ended, the Chiefs entered Union Station and fans followed the players to get autographs.
“Then all of a sudden, everyone started running out, and you see all these cops running in, and you knew something had happened at the station,” Sauther told Kansas City ABC affiliate. KMBC.
One woman told KMBC they hid near an elevator and “prayed.”
“There was screaming and we didn’t know if it was safe to go out, so we tried to block the doors. We heard the elevator start to move, so we opened the doors and ran out – there were officers there.” she told the station. “I’ve never been so happy to see an officer in my life.”
The shooting victims were transported to several area hospitals, including eight with “immediately” life-threatening injuries and seven with life-threatening injuries, according to acting Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson.
Children’s Mercy Kansas City Hospital treated a total of 12 patients from the rally, including 11 children between the ages of 6 and 15, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Stephanie Meyer told reporters Wednesday. Nine of the patients were gunshot victims and three were being treated for “incidental injuries,” she said. All are expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities are still working to determine the total number of victims from the incident.
On Wednesday night, KKFI 90.1 FM confirmed that Lisa López-Galván, a DJ at the station, had died in the incident.
“It is with sincere sadness and an extremely heavy and broken heart that we let our community know that KKFI DJ Lisa LopezThe Taste of Tejano host lost her life today in the shooting at the KC Chiefs rally. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family. “We encourage anyone who feels she saw something to contact authorities at 816 234 5111,” she read in the station’s statement.
“This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from his family and this KC community,” the KKFI statement concluded.
Three suspects have been arrested, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a news conference Wednesday, calling the shooting a “tragedy.”
At least one firearm was recovered, the chief said. The reason remains unclear.
Authorities said Wednesday that the scene would remain active as investigators had “a lot of ground to cover.”
About a million attendees were expected to attend Wednesday’s celebration.
The police chief said 800 law enforcement officers were at the parade and rally.
“I’m angry,” Graves said. “People who attended this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
All Chiefs players, coaches and staff were safe, officials confirmed later that afternoon.
Chiefs players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebacker Drue Tranquill, guard Trey Smith and tight end Travis Kelce, spoke out on social media about the shooting.
Mahomes wrote: “Praying for Kansas City… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽” on his X page.
“Please join me in praying for all the victims of this heinous act,” Tranquill said. wrote in X. “Pray for the doctors and first responders to have steady hands and for everyone to experience complete healing.”
Smith thanked the first responders “who ran toward the sound of danger.”
“You are the ones who should be celebrated today,” he said. aware.
Travis Kelce wrote in X“I am heartbroken by the tragedy that took place today. My heart goes out to everyone who came to celebrate with us and was affected. KC, you mean a lot to me.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said he and first lady Teresa Parson were present at the celebration when gunfire erupted.
“Thanks to the professionalism of our security officers and first responders, Teresa, I and our staff are safe and secure,” he said in a statement.
“We commend local first responders and our State of Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team for their quick actions to stop the threat and treat those in need,” his statement continued. “State and local authorities were prepared, had a plan, and ran toward danger when it arose, undoubtedly saving lives… As we wait to learn more, our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this senseless violence.”
President Joe Biden said in a statement Wednesday night that the Kansas City shooting “deeply touches the American soul” and should “shame us into action.”
“We have to decide who we are as a country,” Biden wrote. “To me, we are a country where people should have the right to go to school, go to church, walk down the street (and attend a Super Bowl celebration) without fear of losing their lives to gun violence. “.
The president said he and the first lady are praying for the victims and the country.
ABC News’ Nadine El-Bawab, Fritz Farrow and Leah Sarnoff contributed to this report.