KCPD Responds to Shooting Near KC Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII Parade
Shortly after the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII parade ended, a very frightening situation unfolded.
Following the team's rally on stage at Union Station, gunshots broke out nearby. The Kansas City Police Department immediately responded to the development, urging those in attendance to leave the area as quickly and safely as possible.
KSHB 41 in Kansas City reports that according to police, shots were fired "west of the Union Station near the garage." This was later confirmed.
At one point, officers went inside Union Station and KCPD eventually provided further updates on social media. Three individuals were taken into custody for additional investigation, with KCPD requesting that witnesses report to the southwest corner of Pershing and Main in Kansas City to help provide any account of the events that took place.
Per Tod Palmer of KSHB 41 in Kansas City, the Kansas City Fire Department said one person died, three are in critical condition, five are in serious condition and one has a non-life-threatening injury. Three to five additional shooting victims were a part of that specific announcement, although it's "not clear if they are connected to the incident just west of Union Station."
During a press conference at approximately 3:40 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Chief of Police Stacey Graves confirmed one deceased status and said the total of those injured near the parade and rally could be 10-15. She didn't provide condition updates at the time.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson for Children's Mercy Hospital confirmed that it's treating 12 patients. Eleven are pediatric, and nine have gunshot wounds. University Health's updated patient data as of 5:00 p.m. consists of eight gunshot victims, two in critical condition, and four non-gunshot injuries.
Evening update: At a press briefing just before 5:30 p.m. CT, KCFD Fire Chief Ross Grundyson provided an updated total of 22 gunshot victims: one fatality, eight "immediate" life-threatening patients, seven life-threatening patients and six with minor injuries. Those with immediate life-threatening injuries were transported to local hospitals, per Grundyson, within 10 minutes.
Many members of the Chiefs organization took to X to share that they're safe and encourage positivity for the victims. Others also confirmed the safety of themselves and their families to news staff. Per Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during Graves's briefing, Kansas City players, coaches and staff are all accounted for.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports that the Chiefs left the parade and rally area via buses. Players also had critical roles in helping nearby children calm down:
The Chiefs left the parade in busses, and in shock. I'm told players were UNBELIEVABLE calming panicked kids down. Blaine Gabbert, Tre Smith, Austin Reiter, Chris Oladukun all rallied.
Smith went to one upset kid, gave him the WWE title belt and sat with him til he calmed down.
At 4:43 p.m. CT, the Chiefs issued a statement and posted it on their official team X account:
"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 statement began. "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 NFL also released a statement just after 5:30 p.m. CT.
"We are deeply saddened by the senseless shooting that occurred today near the end of the rally in Kansas City for the Chiefs," the statement began. "Our thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected. We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of law enforcement and emergency personnel."
Arrowhead Report will provide updates if additional information is released. The police's investigation is still active as of late Wednesday afternoon.
