Washington, Feb 14 (EFE) – At least one person was killed and 21 were injured in a shooting at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in the city of Kansas City (Missouri, US) on Wednesday.
Of the 21 gunshot victims, eight are in immediate danger of death, seven have life-threatening injuries and six have minor injuries, Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson told a news conference.
The total number of victims is not final and could rise.
At the same press conference, local police chief Stacey Graves reported the arrest of a third person during the event, in addition to the previously reported “two armed individuals” who are considered suspects at this time.
One of the detainees was overpowered by fans.
Local media reported that a significant number of the victims may have been minors, as Mercy Children’s Hospital received a dozen patients.
The event took place near Union Station, Kansas City’s central train station, where the Kansas City Chiefs’ celebration parade ended and where many fans had gathered.
“I’m angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment,” said Graves, who reported that there were about 800 officers on the event’s security detail.
It is legal to carry guns on the streets in the state of Missouri.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said that he also had to run when he heard the shots, as did hundreds of people.
“Myself, my wife, a lot of families, players, members of the Chiefs, their families, a lot of people who were at Union Station or nearby. So a lot of people were affected,” he added.
Lucas emphasized the heavy police presence, especially near the station and on the rooftops, but lamented that “this is what happens with guns.”
“Parades, demonstrations, schools, movie theaters, it seems almost nothing is safe,” he said.
The White House reported that US President Joe Biden has received a report on what happened, as is often the case with shooting cases in the country.
The quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, posted a message on X in which he said: “Praying for Kansas City.”
The Kansas City Chiefs also responded with a statement: “We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station after today’s parade and rally, and our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City.”
The Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos also issued a joint statement expressing their dismay at the events.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Kansas City to celebrate Super Bowl LVIII, which they won 25-22 over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Minutes before the event, a bus carrying the players – including singer Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, tight end Travis Kelce – made its way through the streets of the city to celebrate the victory with the fans.
The singer, who attended Sunday’s game in Las Vegas, did not attend Wednesday’s festivities. EFE
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