Tragedy struck the large fan base of the Kansas City Chiefs this week after a mass shooting occurred during the team’s hometown parade.
On February 14, 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs’ hometown parade was supposed to kick off a day of fun for the community as they celebrated the recent Super Bowl LVIII win which was tragically cut short as gunshots started to ring. With multiple suspects, at least one dead, and twenty-two injured, many are grieving and still comprehending the situation.
While no one has been officially charged, two minors and one other person are now in custody with potential relation to the shooting. At least ten people have been questioned by the Kansas City Police. Police are still gathering evidence and are asking anyone who is a witness or has footage from the shooting to step forward.
Lisa Lopez-Galvan, mother of two and Chiefs fan was confirmed dead after the shooting by her employer, KKFI 90.1 FM. All other victims range from ages as young as six to forty-seven.
Police stated that they have recovered numerous firearms with many officers in the area still searching.
Two men, Trey Filter and Paul Contreas, recall watching a man run away from the scene after the gunshots. Soon after, both tackled the man who has yet to be confirmed as a suspect. As this happened, Casey Filter, wife of Trey Filter, allegedly picked up the gun that had fallen as the man was tackled.
While police are still working endlessly, police chief Stacey Graves shared that it is allegedly believed that the shooting was caused by a dispute between many people.
The National Football League (NFL) and Kansas City Chiefs players have started to speak about the tragedy. The NFL has come forward stating that none of the players or coaches were injured and that the victims are in the team’s thoughts and prayers.
Players like Quarterback Patrick Mahome for the Chiefs and Tight End Travis Kelce have gone to X to share their thoughts about the situation.
Biology teacher Brenda Perez’s family was at the parade during the shooting. Her cousin Areli Estrada and her close family tried to get away as fast as possible which was actually the right decision.
“They heard the shooting and the screaming and started running away as fast as possible. It was a mess, people were scared and everywhere,” said Ms. Perez.
The shooting of February 14 was a tragedy for everyone at the parade and their families. At this time, there is still not enough information to convict someone of the shootings but police are still working at all hours to find this out.
