A festive celebration turned into a tragedy on Wednesday, when a shooting erupted near the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade and rally. A woman was killed while 21 others were found injured, including children, according to the Kansas City Fire Department.
The mass shooting took place around 2 p.m. local time at Union Station, a historic landmark and transportation hub in downtown Kansas City. Police said they currently have three suspects in custody but their motives are still unknown.
The victim who died was later identified as DJ Lisa Lopez, a popular radio personality who worked with KKFI (community radio station). The station announced her death through their social media channel, Facebook. They said,
“It is with sincere sadness and an extremely heavy and broken heart that we let our community know that KKFI DJ Lisa Lopez, host of Taste of Tejano lost her life today in the shooting at the KC Chiefs’ rally. Our hearts and prayers are with her family.”
Those who were injured were immediately taken in to receive medical care. Some, including children, had gun shot wounds while others had received bruises and fractures during the stampede.
Among them, five are in critical condition and seven in serious condition, according to the fire department. The children who were wounded were taken to the Children’s Mercy Hospital for treatment, and are now in recovery.
Overall, the shooting has marred the celebration of the Chiefs’ 2024 Super Bowl win, which drew hundreds of thousands of fans to the streets of Kansas City. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce were among the players who spoke at the rally, vowing to go for another championship next season.
