In the heart of downtown Kansas City, a historic railway station witnessed a tragic incident during the culmination of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration. The festivities turned into chaos as gunfire erupted, sending fans into a panicked scramble for safety. Shockingly, 21 individuals were wounded, including eight children, and a mother of two lost her life.

Despite the presence of over 800 police officers within the vicinity, including on nearby structures, the shooting unfolded outside Union Station on a Wednesday. Mayor Quinton Lucas, present at the event with his wife and mother, found himself running for cover as the shots echoed through the air.

In the aftermath, Police Chief Stacey Graves disclosed that three individuals had been detained, and firearms were seized. However, details about the detainees and a potential motive were not immediately released as the police continued to piece together the unfolding events.

Expressing his frustration, Mayor Lucas stated, “Parades, rallies, schools, movies. It seems like almost nothing is safe.”

This incident adds to a disturbing trend of gun violence marring sports celebrations across the United States. Last year, a shooting marred the NBA championship celebration in Denver, and gunfire disrupted the Texas Rangers’ World Series championship parade.

Social media platforms were flooded with videos capturing the chaotic scene. One video depicted police rushing through the crowded area while people desperately sought cover. Another showed a person administering chest compressions to a victim, with others in visible distress nearby. Amidst the chaos, two individuals were seen chasing and subduing a person until police arrived.

The tragedy claimed the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, known as “Lisa G,” the host of “Taste of Tejano” on radio station KKFI. Described as an extrovert and devoted mother from a prominent Latino family, Lisa attended the parade with her husband and adult son, both of whom were also shot.

Reflecting on the ongoing issue of gun violence in Kansas City, Mayor Lucas, along with mayors nationwide, has advocated for new laws to address this crisis, including the implementation of universal background checks.

The incident left witnesses in disbelief. Lisa Money, who was attempting to collect confetti near the end of the parade, recounted hearing someone yell, “Down, down, everybody down!” Initially thinking it might be a joke, the situation turned serious as the SWAT team swiftly responded.

Kevin Sanders, from Lenexa, Kansas, described the initial confusion as sounding like firecrackers before people started running. While he acknowledged the unfortunate disruption, Sanders recognized the reality of such incidents in a large city.

University Health reported treating eight gunshot victims, with two in critical condition and six in stable condition. Additionally, four individuals with injuries stemming from the post-shooting chaos were receiving medical attention.

Children’s Mercy Kansas City revealed that 12 patients from the rally, including 11 children between the ages of 6 and 15, were being treated. Despite the severity of the situation, all were expected to recover. The chief nursing officer, Stephanie Meyer, emphasized the prevailing emotion among the children as “fear.”

St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City received one gunshot patient in critical condition, underscoring the gravity of the incident.

Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder, alongside coach Andy Reid and other staff, was on buses returning to Arrowhead Stadium at the time of the shooting. The team expressed deep sorrow over the senseless act of violence.

Missouri’s Republican Governor Mike Parson and first lady Teresa Parson, present at the parade, emerged unharmed. President Joe Biden, briefed on the incident, urged Congress to take decisive action to address gun violence in the country, emphasizing the need for measures such as banning assault weapons and strengthening background checks.

The tragedy unfolded amidst a vibrant parade atmosphere, with fans lining the route, climbing trees, and standing on rooftops. Players on double-decker buses rolled through the crowd, accompanied by DJs and drummers heralding their arrival.