KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri leaders and others are reacting to the latest U.S. mass shooting that happened at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, Missouri, on Valentine's Day that killed one person and injured as many as 22 people.
Police said in a news release that two people were detained. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible.
During a Wednesday press conference, the Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said the incident began when shots reportedly rang out on the west side of Union Station. She said officers immediately took two people and tried to save their lives, but have confirmed that one of the victims died as a result of their injury. That victim was identified by her radio station as a mother of two and a local DJ. The extent of the other victim's injuries remained unclear.
The latest report estimated that nearly 22 people were injured, but it remained unclear whether each had gunshot wounds or other injuries.
"The Super Bowl is the most unifying event in America," President Joe Biden said in a Wednesday statement. "Nothing brings more of us together. The celebration of a Super Bowl win is a moment that brings joy that can’t be matched by the winning team and their supporters. For this joy to be turned to tragedy today in Kansas City cuts deep in the American soul."
Several area leaders, including St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and others, released statements Wednesday in response to the tragic shooting incident.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones
"What was meant to be a celebration for Kansas City has instead become an all-too-familiar tragedy. My thoughts are with our fellow Missourians and all of those whose lives continue to be affected by gun violence. I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for all involved," Jones said in a post on X.
St. Louis Alderman Rasheen Aldridge
"My heart goes out to the victims who were impacted by today's mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs celebration. I also extend my deepest sympathies to the individuals who will be traumatized by this tragic event forever," he said in a post on X.
St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell
"Kansas City and Chiefs fans everywhere are celebrating an exciting Super Bowl victory, only for it to be marred by the reported loss of life from today's shooting, which is especially tragic. We pray for the victims and their families," he said in a statement released on the shooting at the Kansas City Super Bowl celebration.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson
Governor Mike Parson issued the below statement following Wednesday's shooting after the Super Bowl rally in Kansas City near Union Station:
"I want to start with a thank you to Kansas City Police along with other state and local first responders who were able to quickly take two individuals into custody and provide critical care to victims following today's shooting.
This was a tragic conclusion to a celebration we had all looked forward to – none more than Teresa and me. The First Lady and I were present when shots broke out. Thanks to the professionalism of our security officers and first responders, Teresa and I and our staff are safe and secure.
At this time, KCPD is asking everyone to clear the area as they respond to those in need of immediate medical assistance. We commend local first responders and our state Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team for their quick actions to stop the threat and treat those in need. State and local law enforcement were prepared, they had a plan, and they ran towards danger when presented, undoubtedly saving lives.
Investigations are ongoing and the state will continue supporting our local law enforcement officials throughout the process. Teresa and I want to remind our Kansas City community and anyone impacted by this incident that help is available through the 9-8-8 Crisis Hotline.
As we wait to learn more, our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this senseless violence."
Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander
Missouri's former secretary of state took to Instagram Wednesday to weigh in on gun laws in the wake of the shooting.
Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe
"Our hearts go out to the victims and all affected by today’s shooting at Union Station. Incredibly sad situation on a day that was meant for celebration.
Thank you to the men and women of the KCPD, Missouri State Highway Patrol, medical teams, and all local law enforcement professionals for their quick action," Kehoe said in the X post.
The office of the governor also released the following statement on X.
1st Congressional District Rep. Cori Bush (R-Missouri)
Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush (R-Missouri) of the 1st District responded to the latest mass shooting in the country, saying in part," Missouri has some of the weakest gun safety laws in the U.S.— pushed for by the NRA-funded GOP."
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote in a post on X, "Please join me in prayer for those who were injured today in Kansas City. Thank you to our law enforcement and first responders who ran towards danger for the sake of others. We will have your back every step of the way."
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri)
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley thanked the Kansas City police in a post on X, saying, "The criminals who did this must be brought swiftly to justice."
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri)
"A day that was supposed to be triumphant has turned into tragedy. My prayers go out to the victims, and a huge thank you to the brave police officers and first responders working to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice," Schmitt said in a post on X.
Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Missouri)
"Like @Chiefs fans across Missouri my father and I were excited to help them celebrate their back-to-back @SuperBowl win. I’m grateful for the @kcpolice officers quick response to a shooting near celebration festivities to protect all who traveled to KC today and keep us safe," Coleman said in an X post.
8th Congressional District Rep. Jason Smith (R-Missouri)
Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri's 8th congressional district provided his thoughts and prayers in a post of X, expressing his gratitude for the first responders who rushed toward the danger as parade-goers sought safety.
House Minority Leader Quade on Union Station shooting
“I’ve been in touch with state and local authorities on this tragedy. My heart breaks for the victims and thousands of families who were affected by the terrible and senseless shooting at the end of today’s celebration. While we wait for more information, I want to thank law enforcement and first responders for taking action quickly and professionally.”
House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D-Springfield)
"Quade and fellow legislators were in Union Station at the time of the shooting. All members of the Missouri House Democratic Caucus who were in attendance are safe and accounted for."
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement on X, which read:
Kansas City Chiefs' tight end Travis Kelce
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce provided his thoughts on X Wednesday night.
Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes II
Kansas City Chiefs football quarterback Patrick Mahomes III provided his thoughts and condolences on X.
U.S. President Joe Biden
"The Super Bowl is the most unifying event in America. Nothing brings more of us together. The celebration of a Super Bowl win is a moment that brings joy that can’t be matched by the winning team and their supporters. For this joy to be turned to tragedy today in Kansas City cuts deep in the American soul.
Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting. What are we waiting for? What else do we need to see? How many more families need to be torn apart?
It is time to act. That’s where I stand. And I ask the country to stand with me. To make your voice heard in Congress we finally act to ban assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, and keep guns out of the hands of those who have no business owning them or handling them.
We know what we have to do, we just need the courage to do it.
Today, on a day that marks six years since the Parkland shooting, we learned that three police officers were shot in the line of duty in Washington, DC and another school shooting took place at Benjamin Mays High School in Atlanta. Yesterday marked one year since the shooting at Michigan State University. We’ve now had more mass shootings in 2024 than there have been days in the year.
The epidemic of gun violence is ripping apart families and communities every day. Some make the news. Much of it doesn’t. But all of it is unacceptable. We have to decide who we are as a country. For me, we’re a country where people should have the right to go to school, to go to church, to walk the street — and to attend a Super Bowl celebration — without fear of losing their lives to gun violence.
Jill and I pray for those killed and injured today in Kansas City, and for our country to find the resolve to end this senseless epidemic of gun violence tearing us at the seams."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.