What started as a jubilant celebration at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade swiftly descended into chaos as gunfire erupted, leaving one dead and 22 injured.
A victory parade which was supposed to bring the entire city together in celebration is one of the last places where you’d think a senseless tragedy like this could take place.
WATCH: A witness describes fleeing the Kansas City shooting that took place at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade.
Bridget Barton showed the backpack she was wearing at the time of the shooting and explained that it shielded her from the backfire of bullets. pic.twitter.com/maNheoSWZs
— NBC News (@NBCNews) February 16, 2024
Caitlin Knute, Kevin Holmes, and Mick Shaffer were covering the parade live on KSHB when the madness unfolded.
As the trio discussed the day’s festivities, they began to notice an unusual commotion among the thousands of fans gathered.
“We’ve got, uh…crowds are dispersing,” remarked Knute, her confusion palpable as the camera captured frantic scenes of people seeking cover.
Attempting to make sense of the situation, Shaffer could only express bewilderment before Holmes observed, “It looks like they are running.”
The moment in the Channel 41 live stream when they realized something went wrong at the Chiefs Superbowl parade/rally at Union Station. pic.twitter.com/qe3e29yDdl
— Bob Rombach (@Bob_Rombach) February 14, 2024
The reporters watched on in dawning realization of potential danger.
“We might have a situation here. We’re trying to keep an eye on it,” Knute said, her voice tinged with concern.
Footage revealed Chiefs fans scrambling in different directions, some dropping to the ground for safety. Despite a heavy police presence earlier in the day, chaos ensued near Union Station as shots rang out.
The moment the shooting started at the Kansas City Chiefs Parade. Watch the crowd disperse away from the gun shots. Zoomed in and slowed down.#Missouri #ChiefsParade #ParadeShooter #Shooter #GunControl pic.twitter.com/s1MGwKHdaE
— HighImpactFlix (@HighImpactFlix) February 15, 2024
As bystanders urged the reporters to take cover, Knute swiftly handed over the broadcast to her colleagues to seek safety.
Tragically, the shooting claimed the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a beloved radio DJ and mother of two.
Mom dies in #Chiefs parade shooting, the second victim confirmed dead 💔
“She was the most wonderful, beautiful person,”
“She was a local DJ. She did everybody’s weddings. We all know her. She was so full of life.”
Absolutely Heartbreaking 🙏https://t.co/6rUqaTgdTV https://t.co/ywSxQBlPse pic.twitter.com/gMKKHomu3R
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 14, 2024
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the deceased as a cherished member of the community, a loving mother, and a prominent figure at KKFI, the local community radio station.
“She was the most wonderful, beautiful person,” expressed Lisa Lopez, a friend and colleague of the victim. “She was a local DJ. We all know her. She was so full of life.”
Prayers for the family of Kansas City Chiefs Super Fan and Radio DJ Lisa Lopez who lost her life at the Super Bowl Parade from a senseless shooting🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/UFzjlCI65k
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 15, 2024
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed that 22 others were injured, including several children. The injured ranged from 8 to 47 years old, with half under 16 years old.
Graves disclosed that three individuals, including two juveniles, had been detained, and firearms were recovered from the scene.
Shoutout toe the citizens of KC for tackling of the suspect today at the Chiefs parade shooting pic.twitter.com/vPT0QBbiMm
— Jace Andrews (@JaceAndrews_) February 14, 2024
Among the victims, eight had immediately life-threatening injuries, while seven had life-threatening injuries, and six sustained minor injuries, according to Ross Grundyson, chief of the Kansas City Fire Department.
Children’s Mercy Hospital reported treating 12 children, nine of whom had gunshot wounds. Thankfully, none were in critical condition, and all were expected to recover.
“I heard, ‘Get him.’ … I jumped and remember thinking, ‘I hope this is the person they were talking about.’”
Trey and Carey Filter, who helped take down one of the suspected gunmen and secure the weapon, speak out after the deadly shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ parade. pic.twitter.com/QYEQgQjeVU
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 15, 2024
“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 in a statement.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The shocking moment a reporter witnesses the Kansas City parade shooting as the Chiefs celebrated their Super Bowl win.#fyp #breakingnews #kansascity#kansascitychiefs #kansascitychiefsparade #shocking #kansas pic.twitter.com/scumAUtyaD
— Kenvin (@kenvinwhise) February 15, 2024
Needless to say, this is very much an ongoing situation and hopefully the authorities get to the bottom of everything.
RIP to Ms. Lopez-Galvan and let’s hope all the wounded recovery as quickly as possible.
Pat McAfee on the shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl parade pic.twitter.com/lo3JDwqBIv
— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) February 15, 2024