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(NewsNation) — Nine children were among the 22 gunshot victims after multiple shots were fired Wednesday near the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl rally in Missouri, authorities said.
One person was killed, a mother of two, identified by her radio station, KKFI.
Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a beloved disc jockey and co-host of the program “Taste of Tejano” featuring Hispanic music, suffered a fatal gunshot to the abdomen, The Kansas City Star reported.
During a news conference, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed one fatality and said at least 22 others had gunshot injuries, including children, from the shooting, which happened outside of Union Station.
At least three people have been taken into custody.
Graves also said she has heard fans may have been involved in apprehending a suspect but couldn’t immediately confirm that.
“I’m angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment,” Graves said. Police did not immediately release any details about the people taken into custody or about a possible motive for the shootings.
Children’s Mercy Hospital said it was treating 12 patients from the rally, 11 of whom were confirmed to be children. Nine of the patients have gunshot wounds, according to the hospital. None of the victims are in critical condition, and all are expected to make a full recovery.
The children are ages 6 to 15.
University Health said it was treating eight gunshot victims, two of whom are in critical condition. They are also treating four other victims who were not shot in the incident.
Chase Gemes, who had been at the celebration, called the scene after the shooting “chaotic.”
“There were so many police cars and ambulances coming through the street,” he told NewsNation.
Another paradegoer said the gunshots sounded like fireworks.
Multiple people near the parade route were carried away on stretchers, as police urged fans to exit the area as quickly as possible.
Reunification stations were set up inside the main entrance of Union Station and 2301 Main St.
“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 Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City.”
A tweet on Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s account said he and the state’s first lady were attending the rally when shots rang out.
“They are safe and secure,” the tweet said.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said on X she was also at the rally and able to be evacuated.
“Praying for Kansas City,” Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wrote on X.
All Chiefs players and staff are accounted for and safe, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said.
“This is absolutely a tragedy, the likes of which we would have never expected in Kansas City,” Lucas said. “The likes of which we will remember for some time.”
President Joe Biden said the shooting “cuts deep in the American soul” and called on people to press Congress to ban assault weapons, to limit high-capacity gun magazines and for other gun measures that have been rejected by Republicans.
“Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting. What are we waiting for?” he said.
Biden noted that Wednesday was the anniversary of the 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people and said there have been more mass shootings in 2024 “than there have been days in the year.”
White House officials have been in touch with state and local leaders, and federal law enforcement is on the scene.
The shooting marred what was supposed to be a joyful day where residents of the city could celebrate the Chiefs’ 25-22 Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.