One Person Killed, 21 Injured in Shooting at Chiefs Parade: What We Know

One person was killed and at least 21 others were injured at the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory parade on Wednesday afternoon, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed during a press conference at police headquarters.

Police said shots were fired west of Union Station near a parking garage close to the event's main stage. Three people were later taken into custody for further investigation.

Police said at least eight children were among those harmed. Graves said that there have been no recorded law enforcement injuries "of note."

The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing.

Shortly after shots were reported at 2 p.m. local time, police shared in an email to Newsweek that "we need people to exit the area as quickly and safely as possible and avoid the parking garage in order to facilitate treatment of shooting victims."

Many on scene were escorted away from Union Station after first being told to get under the parade's stage, according to NFL reporter James Palmer, who was on-site. Reporter Jacob Meikel shared a video that showed heavy police presence in the area moving toward Union Station around 2:05 p.m. CT.

"Many of you have footage of the many officers securing Union Station," the Kansas City Police Department said in an email to Newsweek. "They are working to provide for the safety of everyone inside Union Station and expedite care of those injured."

The department said further updates will be provided when it has additional information.

Chiefs fans were gathered downtown in Kansas City, Missouri, to celebrate the franchise's third Lombardi Trophy in five seasons. The parade started around 11 a.m. local time and, after a lengthy route, concluded at Union Station where a victory rally was held featuring speeches by players and coaches.

"We went out today, like everyone in Kansas City, looking to have a celebration," Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said at the press conference. "That celebration was marred by a shooting today, and we recognize that there are some who are injured. We are praying for the safety of everyone."

Lucas said he has been in contact with White House officials, who he said offered federal assistance in the ongoing investigation. The mayor also said that the Chiefs passed along prayers to everyone touched by this incident, and that all of the franchise's players, coaches and staff members have been accounted for.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was "praying for Kansas City."

Kansas City linebacker Drue Tranquill also posted, "Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act. Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing."

Defensive back Justin Reid was among the other players to speak out, saying, "Praying for everyone in Kansas City at the parade."

The Chiefs, in a statement released on their X account, said, "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. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City."

The NFL shared a statement with Newsweek via email.

"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," it read. "We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of law enforcement and emergency personnel."

A message from Missouri Governor Mike Parson's official X account said that "Governor & First Lady Parson were in attendance when shots were fired near Union Station in KC. They are safe and secure. State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts. As we wait to learn more, our hearts go out to the victims."

Newsweek contacted the Chiefs via email seeking additional comment.

Update 02/14/24, 7:00 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include updated figures on the number of victims injured during the shooting and reflect a statement from the NFL.