One person was killed and multiple people were injured, including some children, in a shooting on Wednesday at the end of the parade to celebrate the Super Bowl win by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said during a news conference on Thursday that 23 people were victims of gunshot wounds, including one person who was killed. The deceased victim was Kansas City disc jockey Lisa Lopez-Galvan, The Associated Press confirmed on Wednesday.
Graves told reporters on Thursday that the preliminary investigation determined that the shooting appeared to be the result of a dispute between several people and there is no link to “terrorism or home-grown violent extremism.”
Graves added that the shooting remains an active investigation and police have recovered multiple firearms from the scene. Three people were detained by police, but one has been released after it was determined they were not involved, leaving two juveniles in custody, per The AP. No charges have been filed.
The gunshot victims’ ages ranged between 8 and 47 and at least half are under the age of 16, Graves said on Thursday.
Lisa Augustine, spokesperson for Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City, confirmed to NFL Media on Thursday that the hospital received 12 patients from the rally, including 11 children aged between 6 and 15. Nine of the children were victims of gunshot wounds. All of the victims admitted to Children’s Mercy on Wednesday are expected to recover, per Augustine.
Officials from University Health hospital in Kansas City told reporters during a Thursday news conference that the hospital received eight gunshot victims on Wednesday and five of the eight have been released.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Chiefs confirmed that all players, coaches and staff are safe and accounted for.
“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the Chiefs said. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City. We are in close communication with the Mayor’s office as well as the Kansas City Police Department. At this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and accounted for. We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on-scene to assist.”
On Wednesday evening, President Joe Biden released a statement on the shooting, as well.
“The Super Bowl is the most unifying event in America,” the statement read, in part. “Nothing brings more of us together. And the celebration of a Super Bowl win is a moment that brings a joy that can’t be matched to the winning team and their supporters. For this joy to be turned to tragedy today in Kansas City cuts deep in the American soul.”
Chiefs players released statements via social media throughout Wednesday following the shooting.
“Praying for Kansas City,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce posted a message Wednesday evening: “I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today. My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me.”
Offensive tackle Donovan Smith, defensive tackle Mike Pennel and safety Justin Reid were also among the Chiefs players offering similar statements of support on social media.
The NFL released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:
“We are deeply saddened by the senseless shooting that occurred today near the end of the rally in Kansas City for the Chiefs. Our thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected. We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of law enforcement and emergency personnel.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and the first lady were at the parade when shots were fired but are safe, Parson posted on X.
“State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts,” Parson posted on Wednesday. “As we wait to learn more, our hearts go out to the victims.”
As part of the ongoing investigation, Kansas City police and FBI requested any videos from the “shooting and any video of the shooters attempting to flee the scene” be submitted.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
