Wikipedia

2024 Kansas City parade shooting

On February 14, 2024, 33 people were wounded in a mass shooting at the west side of Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. One person was killed and twenty-two others were wounded by gunshots, including eleven children. The shooting followed a Super Bowl LVIII victory parade for the Kansas City Chiefs.[10][3]

2024 Kansas City parade shooting
Kansas City Union Station photographed in 2010; the shooting took place near the intersection on the bottom left.
Map
LocationKansas City Union Station
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Coordinates39°05′01″N 94°35′10″W / 39.08355°N 94.58618°W / 39.08355; -94.58618[1]
DateFebruary 14, 2024; 9 months ago (2024-02-14)
c. 2:00 p.m. (CST)
Attack type
Mass shooting
WeaponsHandguns[2]
Deaths1
Injured40 (22 by gunshot,[3] 18 by other circumstances[4] including at least one of the suspects)[5]
Arrests9[a][b]
Accused
  • Two adults
  • Two juveniles
ChargesTwo adults:
One adult:
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm[6][b]
Three adults:
  • Conspiracy to traffic firearms
  • Engaging in firearm sales without a license
  • Making a false statement (14 counts)
[8][c] Juveniles:

Two adults and two juveniles were charged in connection with the shooting, with the adults being charged with murder.[11]

Background

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On February 11, 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII. On February 14, a victory parade and rally were held with a municipal budget of almost US$1 million.[12] The parade ran 2 miles (3.2 km) from Sixth Street to Union Station, culminating with the team and dignitaries giving speeches at the rally in front of the building.[13] More than 600 Kansas City Police Department officers and 200 other officers were staffed around the events.[14][15] The crowd was estimated at one million,[16] including many families. Kansas City metropolitan area schools canceled classes for the parade.[17]

Shooting

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The shooting occurred immediately after the parade rally, about 2 p.m. CST.[3][18] A reporter at the rally reported loud pops as confetti began to fall. The Chiefs and staff were inside Union Station.[19][20] Some witnesses claimed they had heard an altercation before the shooting; one reported hearing a woman telling someone else, "Not now, this isn’t the place."[16] One of the suspected shooters was chased and tackled by attendees.[20]

Some of the Chiefs players sheltered in place with attendees—Trey Smith and James Winchester in a small closet—and helped maintain calm until evacuation.[16] Another attendee who sheltered inside Union Station recalled being told by a security guard to hop the fence, and saw head coach Andy Reid and players calming down panicked children. Chiefs players and their families who had attended the parade were escorted from the area and taken back to Arrowhead Stadium shortly after the shooting.[21]

Victims

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Twenty-three people were shot, injuring 22[22] and killing Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a Tejano DJ[23] for local radio station KKFI, who died at the scene.[24][25][26]

Five hospitals received 38 patients, of whom 21 had gunshot wounds.[4] Children's Mercy Hospital received 11 child victims aged between 6 and 15 years old, nine of whom had been shot.[15][16]

The Kansas City Star also reported that 18 other victims arrived at local hospitals in the aftermath of the shooting with non-gunshot-related injuries.[27]

Suspects

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Three juvenile suspects were initially apprehended, two of whom were armed.[28][29][30][31]

One juvenile was released after it was determined they were not involved with the shooting. The other two remained in custody,[16] and on February 16, were charged with gun-related crimes and resisting arrest, with additional charges expected.[32]

On February 16, a charge for unlawful possession was brought against a man who had picked up a gun from the ground around the time of the shooting.[6][33] The person was not considered to be involved in the shooting by law enforcement.[34][35]

On February 20, police apprehended two men, who were separate from the two unidentified juveniles.[36] Both men were charged with second-degree murder in connection of the shooting.[11]

In mid-March, three adults were charged in connection with some of the guns used in the shooting. The three were charged with multiple counts of false statements, straw purchases of firearms, and firearms trafficking.[8] Dominic Miller, one of the suspects in the Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting, has been indicted on four felony charges. This comes almost three months after Lyndell Mays, another alleged shooter in the Kansas City incident, was also indicted on felony charges.[37]

Investigation

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Kansas City police are coordinating with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to collect physical and digital evidence and interview witnesses and victims.[16] An FBI online portal was created for anyone to submit digital evidence.[38]

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves stated during a news conference concerning the preliminary investigative findings[16] that the shooting appeared to have been a "dispute between several people that ended in gunfire", and that there is no indication of a "nexus to terrorism or homegrown violent extremism".[16]

Reactions

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Missouri Governor Mike Parson attended the station and posted on social media, "State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts."[39] Missouri legislator and 2024 Anti-Crime Committee member Manny Abarca IV was present during the shooting, and stated his view that Lopez-Galvan and other victims of gun violence in the US are never forgotten. President Joe Biden was briefed, and Mayor Quinton Lucas received calls from the White House offering assistance in the investigation.[40] The House of Representatives held a moment of silence, led by Kansas City area House congressional members Emanuel Cleaver, Sharice Davids, Mark Alford, and Ann Wagner.[41] The Chiefs and the NFL expressed condolences.[42][43] Other local teams such as the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Current also expressed condolences.[44]

The Chiefs launched a fund called KC Strong in partnership with United Way of Greater Kansas City, with money raised going to support victims of the shooting, their families and first responders, as well towards violence prevention and mental health support services.[45] The Chiefs, the Hunt Family Foundation and the NFL donated $200,000 to the fund.[45] Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes donated $50,000 to the fund, and visited victims of the shooting in hospital.[46] Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, whose relationship drew media attention during the season, each donated $100,000 to GoFundMe pages set up by the Reyes family and the family of Lopez-Galvan, respectively.[47][48] Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, after finding out that Lopez-Galvan was a fan of his, gave her family one of his jerseys to bury her in.[49]

Parents of shooting victims of the Parkland high school shooting on February 14, 2018, six years prior, expressed their dismay and lack of surprise due to lax gun laws, while discussing their own shooting anniversary.[50] Kostas Moros, an attorney representing the California Rifle & Pistol Association, argued that calls for gun control were misplaced, noting that at least two of the suspects were juveniles who cannot legally purchase or carry firearms.[51]

Social media users spread misinformation about the identity of a suspect, falsely claiming that a 44-year-old migrant named "Sahil Omar" was the shooter.[52] Posts published online used a picture of a person who was briefly held during the shooting, claiming it was "Omar" instead.[53][54] The person received death threats due to the false claims.[55][56]

The shooting prompted concerns surrounding security at future parades in the area, namely Kansas City's Saint Patrick's Day parade and North Kansas City's Snake Saturday parade.[57]

Notes

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  1. ^ One suspect was later released without being charged.
  2. ^ a b One adult was arrested at the scene in relation to the shooting, but not connected to it.[6][7]
  3. ^ Three adults were arrested in relation to the weapons used during the shooting, but did not participate in the shooting.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Koch, Makenzie (February 14, 2024). "2 killed, over 20 injured in shooting near Chiefs Super Bowl rally". FOX4 Kansas City. Archived from the original on February 15, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024. The shooting happened near West Pershing and Kessler roads.
  2. ^ "What's the latest in the investigation of the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade?". Associated Press News. February 15, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Jiménez, Jesus; Fortin, Jacey (February 14, 2024). "One Dead and at Least 21 Others Shot at Super Bowl Celebration in Kansas City". The New York Times. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Wallington, Natalie (February 16, 2024). "How many people were shot, injured at the Kansas City Chiefs' rally mass shooting?". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  5. ^ "2 charged with 2nd-degree murder in connection to Chiefs parade shooting". KSHB 41 Kansas City News. February 20, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Wichita man who allegedly picked up gun after mass shooting at KC Chiefs rally charged Kansas City Star
  7. ^ Bosman, Julie (March 21, 2024). "Third Man Charged With Murder in Shooting at Super Bowl Rally". The New York Times. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  8. ^ a b 3 men charged for illegal firearms trafficking, straw purchases in Kansas City Super Bowl rally shooting CNN
  9. ^ Three KC Men Charged with Illegal Firearms Trafficking, Straw Purchases Related to Investigation of Mass Shooting at Super Bowl Rally United States Department of Justice - Western District of Missouri
  10. ^ Cronkleton, Robert A.; McDowell, Sam; Adler, Eric; Wilner, Michael (February 15, 2024). "Twenty-two people shot, including one killed, at Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally". Kansas City Star.
  11. ^ a b "2 charged with 2nd-degree murder in connection to Chiefs parade shooting". KSHB. February 20, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Hollingsworth, Heather (February 12, 2024). "Chiefs fans are hoping for a Taylor Swift appearance at the victory parade. But her schedule is tight". Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  13. ^ Hernandez, Joseph; Cronkleton, Robert A. (February 14, 2024). "Here's your guide to safety and security along Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade route". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  14. ^ "Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said more than 800 law enforcement officers were at the parade and rally". The Washington Post. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Sloan, Nick (February 14, 2024). "Live Coverage: Children's Mercy Hospital treating 11 children after mass shooting at Chiefs parade". Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h Salahieh, Nouran; Andone, Dakin; Prokupecz, Shimon; Campbell, Josh (February 15, 2024). "Kansas City shooting may have stemmed from personal dispute, police say; 2 juveniles detained". CNN. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  17. ^ Hernandez, Joseph (February 12, 2024). "These Kansas City area schools have canceled classes for the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade". Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 14, 2024 – via Yahoo.
  18. ^ Diaz, Jaclyn (February 14, 2024). "1 dead, up to 21 injured in shooting at Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl rally". NPR. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  19. ^ "Kansas City mayor addresses shooting at Chiefs' parade - ESPN Video". ESPN. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  20. ^ a b Moore, Julia (February 15, 2024). "Hero Dad Who Tackled a Suspect in Chiefs Parade Shooting Speaks Out: I Heard 'Get Him'". Peoplemag. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  21. ^ Hatcher, Kirsty (February 15, 2024). "Teen at Chiefs Parade Shooting Reveals How Coach Andy Reid Comforted Him: 'He Was Hugging Me'". Peoplemag. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  22. ^ Koch, Makenzie; Sloan, Jacob (February 14, 2024). "Radio DJ killed, over 20 injured in shooting near Chiefs Super Bowl rally". fox4kc news. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  23. ^ Hanna, John (February 15, 2024). "Kansas City mom and prominent Hispanic DJ dies in a mass shooting after Chiefs' victory parade". The Associated Press.
  24. ^ Dailey, Greg (February 15, 2024). "Radio station confirms host Lisa Lopez-Galvan died in Union Station shooting". www.kctv5.com. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  25. ^ Oladipo, Gloria; Luscombe, Richard; Anguiano, Dani (February 14, 2024). "At least one killed and 21 injured in Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting". The Guardian. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  26. ^ Adler, Eric; Klick, Andrea (February 16, 2024). "'My sister got killed': Brother details shooting death at Kansas City Chiefs rally". The Kansas City Star.
  27. ^ Wallington, Natalie. "How many people were shot, injured at the Kansas City Chiefs’ rally mass shooting?" The Kansas City Star https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article285515937.html
  28. ^ Wallington, Natalie (February 15, 2024). "What we know so far about the mass shooting in Kansas City following the Chiefs parade". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  29. ^ Sarnoff, Leah; Winsor, Morgan. "Shooting at Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebration: Bystanders who helped tackle suspect speak out". ABC News. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  30. ^ Sloan, Nick (February 16, 2024). "Two juveniles charged in connection with Chiefs parade and rally shooting, both remain in custody". KMBC. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  31. ^ Helsel, Phil (February 14, 2024). "Video shows moments after fans tackle person when shots rang out at Chiefs parade". NBC. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  32. ^ Ingram, Nick; McFetridge, Scott; Salter, Jim (February 16, 2024). "2 juveniles charged in mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade". AP News. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  33. ^ Hartle, Sam (February 16, 2024). "Prosecutors charge man for picking up gun at scene of parade shooting". KSHB 41 Kansas City News. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  34. ^ Motter, Sarah (February 16, 2024). "Charges filed against third person at Chiefs rally not involved in fatal shooting". KCTV5. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  35. ^ D'Marko, Dave (February 17, 2024). "Friend says felon found with gun at Chiefs rally was trying to help". FOX 4 Kansas City. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  36. ^ Hills, Connor; Sloan, Nick (February 20, 2024). "Two local men charged with murder, additional charges in connection with Chiefs parade and rally shooting". KMBC. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  37. ^ Sloan, Nick (June 8, 2024). "Chiefs parade shooting: Dominic Miller indicted by a grand jury on three felony counts". KMBC. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
  38. ^ Masih, Niha; Somasundaram, Praveena; Rosenzweig-Ziff, Dan (February 15, 2024). "What we know about the shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs parade". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  39. ^ "One dead, nine injured in shooting at Chiefs' victory parade". ESPN. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  40. ^ "One dead and more than 20 injured in Super Bowl parade shooting". BBC News. February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  41. ^ Desrochers, Daniel (February 14, 2024). "'This is ugly': Tearful Cleaver wants action after shooting at Kansas City Chiefs celebration". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  42. ^ Gupta, Gaya (February 14, 2024). "Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City quarterback who led his team to victory on Sunday, said he was "praying for Kansas City" on social media". The New York Times. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  43. ^ Powell, Tori B.; Hammond, Elise; Chowdhury, Maureen (February 14, 2024). "1 person dead, more than 20 wounded in shooting following Super Bowl parade". CNN.
  44. ^ Hills, Connor (February 15, 2024). "Kansas City's professional sports teams react to mass shooting at rally after Chiefs parade". KMBC. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  45. ^ a b Alper, Josh (February 16, 2024). "Chiefs launch KC Strong fund for victims, first responders, violence prevention and mental health services". NBC Sports. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  46. ^ "Chiefs, NFL, Taylor Swift Donate to Victims and First Responders in KC Shooting". Sports Illustrated. February 17, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  47. ^ Haring, Bruce (February 16, 2024). "Travis Kelce Matches Taylor Swift's $100K Charity Donation To KC Shooting Victims". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  48. ^ Willman, Chris (February 16, 2024). "Taylor Swift Donates $100K to GoFundMe for Family of Woman Killed at Chiefs Victory Parade". Variety. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  49. ^ Medina, David (February 20, 2024). "Lisa Lopez-Galvan's family hoped to lay her to rest in Harrison Butker jersey, Chiefs kicker delivered". KSHB.com.
  50. ^ Flam, Charna (February 14, 2024). "Parkland Parents Respond to Kansas City Shooting 6 Years After School Gunman Killed 17". Peoplemag. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  51. ^ Moros, Kostas [@MorosKostas] (February 15, 2024). "Two suspects are juveniles. While we'll see about the circumstances of the 3rd, the immediate agitating re background checks and complaints about constitutional carry seem misplaced. Juveniles can't legally buy guns, nor carry them" (Tweet). Retrieved February 15, 2024 – via Twitter.
  52. ^ Byik, Andre (February 15, 2024). "'Sahil Omar' not named suspect in Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting". USA Today. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  53. ^ Hammill, Roxie (February 20, 2024). "Chiefs fan from Olathe misidentified in viral social media posts as one of rally shooters wants his life back". Johnson County Post. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  54. ^ Jackson, Alyssa (February 20, 2024). "'Clear it up': Olathe man wrongfully identified as Super Bowl rally shooter wants apology". KSHB 41 Kansas City News. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  55. ^ Feinberg, Allie (February 19, 2024). "Tim Burchett deletes false post about Kansas City shooting after talking to Knox News". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  56. ^ Headlee, Peyton (February 18, 2024). "Olathe man wants to clear his name after photos of officers detaining him at rally shooting go viral". KMBC. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
  57. ^ Love, Alex (February 16, 2024). "What security will look like at future parades in Kansas City". KCTV. Retrieved March 13, 2024.
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