You can now listen to Antigua News articles!
by Mick the Ram
In shocking scenes, one person has been killed and a further 21 injured, during a shooting incident that occurred during celebrations taking place to mark Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl.
There had been a wonderful atmosphere, with hundreds of thousands gathering to acknowledge their heroes – following success at the weekend in the victory over the San Francisco 49ers – when there was suddenly panic and screams filling the air, as bursts of gunshot fire echoed around the area.
The dead person has not been officially named, although a local radio station reported that it was one of their own DJ’s – Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was the victim.
Of the wounded, officials said eight were in immediately life-threatening condition and seven others had suffered injuries that could still prove to be life-threatening. Nine of them were children, the youngest just 6-years-old.
None of the players were hit and police later confirmed that they had arrested three suspects in connection to the shooting.
US President, Joe Biden, released a statement condemning the atrocity and once again called for gun reform and a country-wide ban on assault rifles.
Horrifying end to a great occasion
The incident happened close to Union Station in down-town Kansas City, just as celebrations were winding down at around 2pm local time, on Wednesday 14 February. The players had made victory speeches and were still stood on stage when the first shots were heard.
It quickly turned into a terrifying scene with people either diving for cover, or sprinting away down confetti-strewn streets.
Victim unofficially named
Although police are yet to officially name the deceased, the community radio KKFI reported that sadly the host of a Hispanic music program on their station, mother of two Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was in her mid-40’s, had died at a hospital, whilst receiving surgery for a gunshot wound to her abdomen.
Those with gunshot injuries were transported to three local hospitals, along with many others who had been hurt in the stampede, that occurred as a result of the awful event.
Not thought to be terrorist related
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said that the gunmen were apprehended with the assistance of members of the public. She explained that more than 800 police officers were already on duty monitoring the parade, so were able to respond within seconds.
No information was released with regards to the three suspects arrested, or any specific motive, although witnesses suggested it was not terrorism-related, but seemed to be more to do with an argument that had turned violent.
Fan helps catch one of gunmen
A fan of the Chiefs, Trey Filter, was able to tackle and knock to the ground, one of the gunmen as he was attempted to flee the scene. “All I recall was barely seeing the guy; I was just hitting him in his ribs, I couldn’t believe I caught him,” he told reporters afterwards.
Heartbreak of star man
Travis Kelce, one of the Chiefs star players, who had hit the headlines leading up to the game and again afterwards due to his relationship with Taylor Swift, wrote on social media that he was “heartbroken” and that his heart went out to all who came out to celebrate. He closed his note by saying: “KC, you mean the world to me.”
President’s strong and emotional message
President Biden said that for such an attack to occur during a Super Bowl parade: “cuts deep in the American soul”. He questioned how many more families needed to be torn apart before action on gun control was taken.
“Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting. What are we waiting for? That’s where I stand,” he said, with a mix of anger and sorrow.
Continuing he urged people to make their voices heard in Congress to enable the banning of assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines and strengthen background checks.
“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 life to gun violence.”
0 Comments