KANSAS CITY, Mo.— A Kansas City radio DJ is dead and police now say 22 others were injured in a shooting following the Super Bowl parade Wednesday in Kansas City honoring the Chiefs, according to the Kansas City Police Chief. Twelve of those injured went to Children's Mercy Hospital, and as of Thursday afternoon, only three are still being treated there.


What You Need To Know

  • A radio DJ is dead and 22 others were shot following Wednesday's Super Bowl parade in Kansas City

  • Police said is appears the shooting began as a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire
  • One person was released from custody. Two juveniles are still in police custody

  • Police are asking any witnesses, people with video or shooting victims who have not come forward yet to call them at: 816-413-3477

Investigation

As for the investigation, police released one of three people detained after the shooting Thursday afternoon. Two juveniles are still in custody as prosecutors continue to review the case. 

During a morning briefing, police said it appears the shooting began as a dispute between several people that ended in gunfire. Chief Stacey Graves  said the preliminary investigation shows there is no nexus to terrorism.

Authorities did say multiple weapons were taken from the scene and they are working with the FBI and ATF. 

Chief Graves said one million people likely attended the parade, but stressed only a handful of "actors" were behind the violence.

Victims

Police did confirm 43-year-old Elisabeth Galvan died in the shooting. Chief Graves says they are still learning about the victim but know she is beloved by many.

"To her friends and family, we are with you and we are working tirelessly to investigate her murder," said Chief Graves.

Wednesday evening, Kansas City radio station KKFI posted a message on its Facebook page confirming the death of DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan. She was a devoted sports fan and went to the parade with her husband and young adult son.

A Thursday press conference at Children's Mercy said nine of the young patients they were treating have been released. All of the patients are expected to recover from their injuries. Hospital staff said it treated this as a mass casualty event and paused other treatment and procedures to mobilize its full staff to these patients.

The police chief said the victims range in age from 8 years old to 47 years old. Chief Graves said half of the victims are under the age of 16. 

Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson said eight victims have immediate life-threatening injuries, seven have life-threatening injuries and six have minor injuries. Those with immediate life-threatening injuries were transported to hospitals within 10 minutes, he said.

"I commend all of our staff working there today, along with PD that did an excellent job in a difficult circumstance," Grundyson said.

 

Witnesses

 

Police again stressed Thursday that anyone in the vicinity of the parade shooting that directly witnessed it, has any video of the incident or was a victim who has not yet reported being shot to please call 816-413-3477, a dedicated line for this investigation.

Graves noted that more than 800 police officers, including Kansas City and surrounding agencies, were in the area. 

"We also know that officers ran towards danger. Officers were there to keep everyone safe," she said. "I am angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment."

Reaction

Shortly after the shooting, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended the celebration with his wife and mother, said he was heartbroken and angry.

"This is absolutely a tragedy. The likes of which we would've never expected in Kansas City and the likes of which that we will remember for some time," he said. "I want to say thank those who are making sure that we were safe today."

Lisa Money of Kansas City, Kan. was trying to gather some confetti near the end of the parade when she heard somebody yell, “Down, down, everybody down!”

At first Money thought somebody might be joking until she saw the SWAT team jumping over the fence.

“I can’t believe it really happened. Who in their right mind would do something like this? This is supposed to be a day of celebration for everybody in the city and the surrounding area. and then you’ve got some idiot that wants to come along and do something like this,” she said.

A statement from the Kansas City Chiefs says, "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. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City."

"We are in close communication with the Mayor's office as well as the Kansas City Police Department. At this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and accounted for. We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on scene to assist."

Immediately after the shooting, police took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to ask people to clear the area. Police also asked for witnesses to meet them near the scene to gather information.

Police also established child reunification stations so people could find their missing loved ones. 

Gov. Mike Parson, who attended the parade, said he and his wife are safe and secure. He added state law enforcement are assisting local authorities in response efforts.