One person is dead and 10 to 15 people are injured from a shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, following the parade and rally for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, officials said.
The exact number of gunshot victims was not immediately clear, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said, calling the shooting a “tragedy.”
Two suspects have been taken into custody, she said.
Three victims are in critical condition and five are in serious condition, according to the Kansas City Fire Department.
The shooting took place west of Union Station, near the garage, as Chiefs fans were leaving, according to Kansas City police.
About 1 million paradegoers were expected at Wednesday’s celebration.
Paradegoer Arnold Sauther said when the rally ended the Chiefs went into Union Station, and fans followed the players to get autographs.
“Then, all of a sudden they all started running out, and you see all these policemen come running in there — and you knew something happened in the station,” Sauther told Kansas City ABC affiliate KMBC.
“We see people running and we hear gunshots and we take off running. And we look over and there’s a guy next to us on the ground,” witness Jennifer Wilbers told K All Chiefs players, coaches and staff are safe, according to police.
Players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebacker Drue Tranquill and guard Trey Smith, are speaking out on social media.
“People started crashing forward, everybody started running, there was screaming,” another woman told KMBC. “We didn’t know what was happening, but in this day and age when people run, you run.”
“We went where an elevator was, we shut the doors and sat back against the doors and we prayed,” she said.
“There was yelling and we didn’t know if it was safe to leave, so we tried to block the doors. We heard the elevator start to move so we opened the doors and ran out — there were officers there,” she said. “I’ve never been so glad to see an officer in my life.”
The police chief said 800 law enforcement officers were at the parade and rally.
“I am angry,” Graves said. “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting, according to the White House.
As the nation tuned in for the highly anticipated Super Bowl showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and their formidable opponents, the energy was electric. Yet, amidst the thrilling plays and intense competition, a moment of anguish and concern gripped the hearts of fans worldwide as one of the 49ers’ star players suffered a devastating Achilles injury.
The game had been a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. However, it was during a pivotal moment in the second half that the mood shifted dramatically. As the star player, whose explosive athleticism had been instrumental in the 49ers’ journey to the Super Bowl, made a sharp cut, a collective gasp echoed through the stadium.
In the midst of the chaos on the field, the microphones picked up the raw emotions of players, coaches, and commentators alike. The disbelief and concern were palpable as they witnessed the star athlete crumble to the ground, clutching his lower leg in agony. The announcers’ voices wavered as they struggled to maintain their composure while conveying the severity of the situation to millions of viewers.
“Unbelievable, Jim. That’s a sight nobody wanted to see,” remarked one commentator, his voice tinged with sadness.
The cameras panned to the sidelines, capturing the reactions of teammates and coaches. Some bowed their heads in prayer, while others paced anxiously, their faces etched with worry. The microphones captured snippets of conversations as players rallied around their fallen comrade, offering words of encouragement and support.
“Stay strong, brother. We got you,” one teammate could be heard saying, his voice filled with empathy.
As medical personnel rushed onto the field to attend to the injured player, the gravity of the situation became even more apparent. The commentators provided updates on the player’s condition, but the somber tone underscored the seriousness of the injury.
“It’s confirmed, folks. It’s an Achilles tear. A devastating blow for the 49ers,” announced one commentator, his voice heavy with regret.
Throughout the remainder of the game, the specter of the injury loomed large, casting a shadow over the proceedings. Despite the valiant efforts of the remaining players, the loss of their star athlete was keenly felt by the 49ers and their fans.
In the aftermath of the game, as the final whistle blew and confetti rained down on the field, the focus shifted to the injured player’s recovery journey. Messages of support flooded social media channels, with fans, teammates, and rivals alike expressing their hope for a speedy recovery.
“Sending prayers and positive vibes your way, champ. You’ll be back stronger than ever,” tweeted one fan, encapsulating the sentiment of many.
As the Super Bowl concluded and the spotlight dimmed, the resilience and camaraderie displayed by the players in the face of adversity remained a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s indomitable nature. While the outcome of the game may have been decided on the field, the true measure of strength and character was evident in the compassion and support shown in response to one player’s injury.