Police: Chiefs Parade Shooting Appears to Have Been Result of ‘Dispute’ in Crowd

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVFebruary 15, 2024

Ryan Kang/Getty Images

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves and Fire Chief Ross Grundyson provided updates in the aftermath of Wednesday’s shooting that happened near the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration.

Graves said the preliminary investigation determined the shooting “appeared to be a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire” and was not a case of “terrorism or homegrown violent extremism.”

CBS News @CBSNewsKansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves says a preliminary investigation found Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade shooting was not a case of “terrorism or homegrown violent extremism.”

“This appeared to be a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire.” pic.twitter.com/KxAtAh0ePF

She also said that half the 22 injuries suffered during the incident were children under the age of 16.

Grundyson provided details on the injuries, noting there was one death, eight people in critical condition, seven people in serious condition and six people being treated for minor injuries.

CBS News @CBSNewsFire Chief Ross Grundyson says of the victims treated for injuries at the Kansas City parade shooting:
– 8 were critical
– 7 were serious
– 6 had minor injuries pic.twitter.com/vzbtvUMhN0

“We have subjects detained, two of which are juveniles,” Graves said. “We are working to determine the involvement of others, and, it should be noted, we have recovered several firearms. This incident is still a very active investigation.”

The Chiefs released a statement Wednesday confirming all the team’s players, coaches, staff members and family members were safe and accounted for in the aftermath.

“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 read. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City.”

Star players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were among those who reacted to the shooting:

Patrick Mahomes II @PatrickMahomesPraying for Kansas City… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

Travis Kelce @tkelceI am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today. My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me.

The NFL also released a statement, which said, “We are deeply saddened by the senseless shooting that occurred today near the end of the rally in Kansas City for the Chiefs. Our thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected. We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of law enforcement and emergency personnel.”

Jamiel Lynch, Jillian Sykes, Steve Almasy and Matias Grez of CNN reported that the Kansas City metro area canceled classes for the celebration and approximately one million people were in downtown to celebrate the Chiefs’ third Super Bowl title in five years.

According to CNN, some of the Chiefs players were still on the stage where the rally was held when the shooting began “steps away” in Union Station.

Graves encouraged anyone who witnessed the shooting to reach out to police because the investigation is still ongoing.