1 dead, at least 21 individual injured in shooting at Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl celebration

According to officials, a shooting occurred outside Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. on Wednesday afternoon after the celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory had ended. The incident resulted in one fatality and as many as 21 people - including children - being injured.

Following the parade, violence was confirmed by Kansas City radio station KKFI. Lisa Lopez, a disc jockey and mother of two, was reported to have lost her life during this tragic event.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, the station conveyed profound sorrow and expressed their heavyheartedness in informing their community of KKFI DJ Lisa Lopez's passing. She hosted Taste of Tejano but lost her life during the Kansas City Chiefs' rally shooting. The station offered condolences to her family and shared that they were keeping them in their thoughts and prayers.

The statement expressed that the KC community and the family have lost a wonderful person due to an unjustifiable act.

The woman who was shot has not been identified by the police and the number of individuals affected by this shooting is subject to change as law enforcement's investigation continues.

According to Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves in the second news conference of the day, three individuals were apprehended by officers. This updated their earlier count of two suspects in custody.

According to her, an individual was apprehended following a pursuit on foot by law enforcement.

Earlier in the evening, Graves voiced his anger about what happened today. He firmly believes that those who attended this celebration deserved to feel secure and protected while doing so.

At the conclusion of the news conference, she stated that this was not Kansas City.

According to Graves, the reason behind the shooting is yet to be determined and she also mentioned that one firearm has been retrieved.

"The most unifying event in America is the Super Bowl," stated President Biden, "and to have this source of joy transformed into tragedy today in Kansas City deeply wounds our American spirit. The occurrences of today should urge us, surprise us and cause embarrassment that compels action."

"Today was meant to be a day of festivities and happiness in Kansas City, but Vice President Kamala Harris has stated that it is instead another unfortunate day where our nation has been subjected to irrational gun violence. Such incidents are avoidable."

The number of fans who attended the celebration remains undefined, however NPR's KCUR member station reported a count of nearly 1 million individuals in last year's victory parade flocking around downtown for the rally.


800 law enforcement officers were present at the parade on Wednesday in anticipation of a large crowd. According to Graves, their significant presence was instrumental in ensuring fan safety during the shooting and providing critical help to those who suffered gunshot wounds.

After the parade rally concluded, a shooting occurred to the west of Union Station according to Graves. Social media videos indicate people hurriedly fleeing from Union station as law enforcement swiftly responded.

Many families were in attendance

According to KCUR, 12 patients were brought to Children's Mercy Hospital from the rally. Among them, 11 were children and nine of those sustained gunshot wounds. The ages of the victims could not be immediately confirmed by Fire Chief Ross Grundyson; however, doctors and administrators at Children's Mercy held a press conference confirming that they treated these young patients whose ages ranged between six to fifteen years old.

At Wednesday's press conference, Mayor Quinton Lucas of Kansas City disclosed his contemplation of bringing along his child to the festivity. Accompanying him were his spouse and mother as they attended the parade.

According to Lucas, when the shooting took place, he was one of several individuals who fled for safety.

The mayor expressed his anger and "heartbreak" in a message aimed at the citizens of the city.

He stated that many people eagerly anticipate this day and treasure it forever. However, they should not have to recollect the possibility of gun violence tainting such a special occasion by harming them or their loved ones.

In addition, there were other prominent figures present at the triumph celebration.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson and his wife, Teresa Parson were in attendance along with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

"On X, Gov. Parson expressed that our thoughts are with the victims as state law enforcement officials collaborate with local authorities to respond effectively."

According to Kelly, she was evacuated from the scene and kept in a secure location where no harm could come her way.

According to Mayor Lucas, officials have been in touch with the Chiefs and reported that every player, coach, and staff member on the team is safe and has been confirmed.

After a triumphant ride through the city, Patrick Mahomes - quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs - turned to social media in response to news of tragedy. His post simply read: "My prayers are with Kansas City."

As the team members rode a bus through downtown, thousands of exuberant fans decked out in red, gold and white cheered them on to start off the day.

At 11 a.m. local time, the parade was to commence followed by a rally at Union Station immediately after its conclusion, scheduled around 12:45 p.m.

Reports of shots fired were issued by the police at approximately 2:30 p.m. CST.

KCUR reports that this tragedy follows a year of unprecedented levels of homicides in Kansas City, with 185 cases recorded - exceeding the previous record set in 2020 and marking it as its deadliest year yet.

As the story evolves, updates will follow.