The scene in Kansas City turned from celebratory to tragic on Wednesday as local police say one person is dead and up to 15 more wounded after shots were fired near the Chiefs Super Bowl parade. Shots were fired west of Union Station near the garage and law enforcement reports that multiple people were struck. The status of the victims is still unclear and officials do not believe any of them were children.
Kansas City police also say that they have taken two arms individuals into custody for further investigation. The incident itself occurred not long after the festivities concluded, but many people will still in the area. Officers immediately responded to the situation and worked to clear the station, which had momentarily been locked down. Everyone has since been released from the station, but police note that while there is no imminent threat it is still an active scene that is under investigation.
"I'm angry at what happened today," Kansas City Police Police Chief Stacey Graves said in a press conference.
"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 Chiefs said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City. We are in close communication with the Mayor's office as well as the Kansas City Police Department. At this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and accounted for. We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on-scene to assist."
This turn of events comes off the heels of the Chiefs victory parade for their Super Bowl LVIII championship against the 49ers on Sunday. It was the second straight year the city had held such a parade and third since 2020. Temperatures were north of 60 degrees with no clouds in the sky.
Among the parade's highlights was Patrick Mahomes talking three-peat and Chris Jones telling the crowd that he will indeed be back for the 2024 season. Jones is slated to become a free agent.
"I ain't going nowhere, baby!" Jones yelled with Mahomes standing by his side. "I will be here next year, the year after and the year after."
Mahomes, who on Sunday joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only three-time Super Bowl MVPs, is also focused on trying to become the first team to win three straight Super Bowls. Mahomes also apologized for having to go on the road to win two playoff games this year while promising that the road to Super Bowl LVIV will go through Arrowhead.
Another notable moment occurred when Chiefs GM Brett Veach alluded to the team's doubters following Kansas City's loss to the Raiders that dropped the Chiefs to 9-6. Veach directly addressed those who said that the Chiefs were in the midst of a down year.
"This," Veach said while holding up the team's newest Lombardi Trophy, "is what a down year looks like."
The actual parade included some notable moments, including Isiah Pacheco getting a ride from one of his teammates.
We can't talk about the parade without talking about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. While Swift wasn't there, her significant other thoroughly enjoyed himself, as you can see below.
Check out our live blog below to relive the Chiefs' victory parade in real time.
According to Kansas City Police, shots have been fired around Union Station and are asking folks to leave the area. They have since released everyone from inside Union Station and noted that the shots were fired west of the station near the garage and multiple people were struck. Police say they took two armed people into custody for more information.
Chris Jones just told the crowd that he's not going anywhere and he will be back for the three-peat. Jones is set to become a free agent.
Pretty epic quote, which was made in reference to the media experts who claimed the Chiefs were having a down year after their Christmas Day loss to the Broncos.
"Big Red, T-Swift and The Boys came and took it."
A lot going on here.
How many Super Bowls could Mahomes win playing as a leftie?
Isiah Pacheco gives an inspirational speech during the parade.
He'd rather be having a parade in Buffalo, but not a bad consolation prize for Josh Allen.
Travis Kelce is listed at 250 lbs, for what it's worth.
Early favorite for parade MVP.
Patrick Mahomes is a man of the people.
Interesting outfit choice here:
Did Isiah Pacheco just play a 20-game season? You wouldn't know it watching him at the parade. He looks like he could play another season right now.
Willie Gay is having the time of his life.
His unique running style doesn't change, whether he's on the field or off.
The three-time Super Bowl MVP is here:
Busses fit for champions.
This fan did not properly pace himself.
Here's hoping Coach Reid brought his appetite. 😂
Here is a look at some of the banners set up around the city:
Putting on a Super Bowl parade is becoming a tradition for Kansas City, as they host their third in five years and their second consecutive championship celebration.
The party is about to get going in downtown KC in about 30 minutes. All-Pro DT Chris Jones is looking to put the finishing touches on his parade bus, searching for a speaker.
Chiefs fans are ready for the parade and are patiently waiting for the Super Bowl champions to arrive.
Beautiful day in Kansas City for a parade. Not a cloud in the sky.
Here's our article on Taylor Swift not attending today's parade.
Taylor Swift will not be in attendance for the Chiefs parade, according to reports, while traveling to Australia for her latest tour dates. So cross off that celebrity encounter for today's festivities.
