At least one person was killed and several others were wounded in a shooting near Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, at the conclusion of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade Wednesday, police said.
The shooting happened west of Union Station, Kansas City Police Department Chief Stacey Graves said in a news conference. Graves confirmed one victim was dead and said 10 to 15 people might have been injured but that it was not clear yet how many were gunshot victims. Officials said all Chiefs players and coaches had been accounted for.
Two people were taken into custody shortly after the shooting, Graves said. One suspect was arrested after being chased by police shortly after the shots were fired, Graves said. She said she was aware of reports that bystanders had helped subdue the suspects, but she could not confirm those reports.
Graves said police are still investigating the motive for the shooting. A law enforcement source told CBS News the shooting may have been the result of an argument or dispute that turned violent and did not initially appear to be the result of terrorism or extremism at this time. The source noted nothing had been ruled out yet, however.
The police chief said the investigation was still active and in the very initial stages. Graves said officials were still waiting to find out more information about the condition of the victims.
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Saint Luke’s Hospital told CBS News it was treating one gunshot patient who was in critical condition. An official from Children’s Mercy Hospital said the medical center was “receiving patients from the rally,” but did not give an exact number or their conditions.
University Health hospital in Kansas City said it was treating eight gunshot victims and that two were in critical condition. The hospital also said it was treating four other injured victims who were not shot.
“I’m angry at what happened today,” Graves said at the news conference. “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said he had run to safety when he heard the shots. He thanked law enforcement officers for their quick response and for “running towards danger.” He said more than 800 police officers were deployed for the parade.
“I’m heartbroken,” Lucas said at the news conference. “I don’t want us to have to, in our country, for every big event, think about a concern of being shot”
Images and videos shared on social media showed people in Chiefs jerseys and hats running away from Union Station as police officers and first responders rushed to the scene. Other images showed several people receiving medical attention and being carried away on stretchers.
Police posted a message on social media asking “witnesses to the shooting” to meet with officers at a nearby intersection. The Kansas City Police Department also said several children had been separated from their parents or chaperones and it had set up a child reunification location near Union Station.
Reed Hoffmann / AP
The office of Missouri Gov. Mike Parson posted a statement on social media saying Parson and his wife were at the parade when the shots were fired. “They are safe and secure,” the statement said. “State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts.”
“As we wait to learn more, our hearts go out to the victims,” the statement added. “We also want to thank the Missouri State Highway Patrol, KCPD, and other first responders for their quick and professional actions.”
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly posted on social media that she was also at the parade but had “been evacuated and am out of harm’s way.”
“I encourage everyone to follow instructions and updates” from the police, Kelly said.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wrote on social media he was “praying for Kansas City”
— Pat Milton contributed reporting.
