Authorities said they treated eight victims in immediately life-threatening condition and seven others with potentially life-threatening injuries.
Among the wounded were nine children, all expected to recover.
Police have arrested three suspects in connection to the shooting.
The shots were fired west of Union Station, the downtown Kansas City train station, where the parade concluded around 14:00 local time (20:00 GMT). Thousands of fans had gathered there to watch the festivities.
Local reports indicate that Kansas City Chiefs players were still on a stage at Union Station when the first shots were fired.
The gunfire prompted the watching crowd, which included the city’s mayor and his family members, to flee for cover. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves stated that officers responded immediately to the gunshots, with detectives initiating an investigation on-site.
Additionally, the Fire Department provided aid to the injured. Officials reported that over 800 police officers were already present to monitor the parade, with the city’s fire department also standing by to offer medical assistance if required.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Chief Graves disclosed that a total of 22 individuals were struck by gunfire, resulting in one fatality, while three suspects were apprehended. Tragically, a local radio station reported that one of its DJs, Lisa Lopez, was among the deceased.
Surviving victims were swiftly transported to three local hospitals, with those in critical condition receiving prompt medical attention within 10 minutes of the shooting. Nine children, aged six to 15, with gunshot wounds are currently receiving treatment at Children’s Mercy Hospital, as described by chief nursing officer Stephanie Meyer, who noted the pervasive sense of fear among the patients upon arrival.
In addition to gunshot wounds, local hospitals are also attending to individuals who sustained injuries during the ensuing stampede. However, city officials have refrained from disclosing the identities of the victims or providing details about the arrested suspects, including the circumstances that precipitated the shooting.
According to a law enforcement source cited by CBS News, the shooting is believed to have stemmed from a violent altercation rather than terrorism. Police are actively investigating the motive behind the incident and are gathering both physical and digital evidence. They urge any witnesses or individuals with pertinent information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The shooting occurred amidst the city’s jubilation over the Kansas City Chiefs’ consecutive Super Bowl victory, depriving Kansas City of a moment of exhilaration and unity.
Mayor Quinton Lucas recounted being inside Union Station when the gunfire erupted, prompting him and others, including his family, to flee. Expressing disbelief, Mr. Lucas stated during Wednesday’s news conference,
“We went out today like everyone in Kansas City looking to have a celebration. I was there with my wife, I was there with my mother. I never would’ve thought that we, along with Chiefs players, along with fans, hundreds of thousands of people, would be forced to run for our safety today.”