Dramatic images have documented the moment that the Super Bowl Parade for the Kansas City Chiefs turned chaotic as gunfire erupted.
Tragically, a life was lost and 22 individuals were wounded in the devastating shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday afternoon, shortly after 3:30pm.
This unfortunate event took place just moments after the team, which included Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, had left the stage.
Frightening video recorded the chaotic scene that unfolded following the shooting, with terrified fans desperately fleeing for safety.
Groups of individuals bravely apprehended an armed individual, leading to the subsequent detainment of three gunmen by the police. However, the identities of the gunmen have yet to be determined.
There are unverified accounts suggesting that several children may have been victims of the heartbreaking incident and were quickly transported to the nearby Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Kansas City Fire has provided an update on the injured individuals, stating that five are in serious condition, three are in critical condition, and one person has non-life-threatening injuries.
The train station was cleared by the police as a large number of people hurriedly left in fear when gunshots were heard. It is estimated that nearly one million individuals had gathered in Kansas City for the parade.
Chaotic scenes unfolded outside the station as a man attempted to break free from the crowd, only to be swiftly apprehended and subdued by a group of individuals.
Missouri is known for its open carry laws, so it’s possible that many fans in the crowd were also armed.
Another individual wearing a red hoodie was captured in an image during the arrest, although it remains uncertain whether he was connected to the shooting incident.
Kansas City PD Chief Stacey Graves provided an update during a press conference approximately two hours following the shooting, highlighting the swift response and successful apprehension of the gunmen by the officers.
Authorities are currently working to evacuate all businesses in the vicinity. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas shared that he was present at Union Station when the shooting incident occurred.
He did not mention whether he witnessed the gunmen, but he commended the courageous officers who swiftly entered the scene, prepared to confront the imminent danger.
Super Bowl Parade Marred by Shooting Echoing Parkland Tragedy
The shooting occurred on the same date as the tragic Parkland shooting, which claimed the lives of 17 individuals and left 17 others wounded. According to authorities, individuals inside Union Station were allowed to leave approximately 15 minutes after the shooting incident occurred.
However, the public was advised to stay clear of the vicinity. About an hour after the shooting incident, individuals inside the nearby Westin Hotel were instructed to seek shelter as law enforcement swiftly approached the premises.
Officers have surrounded an individual who is armed inside a parking garage located between the Westin Hotel and Union Station, according to Glenn Rice, a reporter from the KC Star. The involvement of this armed individual in the parade shooting remains unclear.
The live broadcast on KSHB 41 captured the scene outside Union Station, where the parade concluded. The crowds were seen quickly dispersing, with a few individuals even jumping over barriers in their haste to leave. Presenters mentioned that individuals in the crowd were urging them to take cover and there was a rush to seek shelter indoors.
According to reports, crew members mentioned hearing several loud noises prior to the incident, causing panic among the fans near the World War One museum and memorial. Officials emphasized that the incident is a dynamic situation, and details may evolve quickly as the situation progresses.