On Wednesday, right as the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade was coming to an end, a shooting erupted that left one person dead and more than 20 others injured. This, of course, raised concerns that it was a mass shooting or an act of terrorism. That does not appear to be the case, as the local police department released further details stating that the incident was the result of a personal dispute and was not an act of terrorism. Still unfortunate that a person lost their life over a personal conflict and that something like this happened in public, resulting in others suffering as well.
via The Daily Wire:
Gunfire erupted near Union Station downtown during the parade, causing mass panic as many people ran and ducked for cover. KC Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a news conference on Thursday that authorities’ initial findings “have shown there was no nexus to terrorism or homegrown violent extremism.”
“This appeared to be a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire,” she explained.
Graves added that authorities learned overnight that there were 23 victims of Wednesday’s shooting. The police chief also confirmed that 43-year-old Lisa Lopez-Galvan died from gunshot wounds.
“We are still learning about her, but know that she is beloved by many,” Graves revealed. “To her friends and family, we are with you, and we are working tirelessly to investigate her murder.”
A life snuffed out in the blink of an eye. This is the tragic result of living in a world that has been broken by sin. I know, I know, I’m getting preachy. But the truth is, our current culture is godless. The Bible was, at one time, the basis and foundation for morality in American society. People were inherently religious in some form or another. The values that were taught in schools, churches, and homes reflected the scriptural teachings of loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself. The further we get away from those standards, the the more vile and violent we as a people become.
At least half of the Kansas City shooting victims were under 16 years old, with the youngest being eight, according to Graves.
“As mentioned yesterday, we have subjects detained, two of which are juveniles,” she added. “We are working to determine the involvement of others.”
Kansas City police chief Stacey Graves gives an update about the Super Bowl parade shooting: “This appears to be a dispute between several people that ended in gun fire”
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) February 15, 2024
What’s really infuriating about the incident is that nine children were caught in the crossfire and sustained gunshot wounds, which were treated at Children’s Mercy Hospital. All of them, thankfully, are expected make a full recovery, according to a spokesman from the hospital.
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Police revealed that they have three suspects in custody following the shooting and have recovered guns, but are still asking those who might have witnessed the incident come forward with any information they might have as the authorities continue their investigation. None of the individuals in custody have been publicly identified.
More than 800 law enforcement officers were in and around Union Station when the shots rang out. Video posted on social media showed multiple parade goers tackling a man who was running through the crowd immediately after the shooting. The bystanders pinned the man down for around 30 seconds before police officers arrived. One witness also said she saw a gun fall away from the man as he was tackled to the ground.
Graves said it remains unclear if the man tackled in the viral video is “one of the three” people detained by authorities.
Let’s hope the police are able to get to the bottom of the shooting and ensure all those involved receive the consequences their actions have earned.