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One dead, and multiple injured after shooting at Super Bowl parade

2024.03.01 01:45:58 Yuchan Shim
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[Football Match. Credit to Pxhere]

In a shocking turn of events, the joyous atmosphere of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade in Missouri was shattered by a deadly shooting, leaving one person dead and 21 injured.

 

The Super Bowl is an annual championship game of the National Football League of the United States.

 

More than 60,000 fans each year visit the arena to witness the epic showdown between top football teams, making it one of the biggest sports matches in the United States.

 

This year’s clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the victorious Kansas City Chiefs took place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

 

The Chiefs, led by their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, earned a hard-fought overtime victory of 25 to 22.

 

The celebratory parade, which was set to take place in Kansas City, turned tragic when gunfire erupted west of Union Station, where thousands of fans had gathered following the parade.

 

Shockingly, local reports revealed that the Chiefs players were still near the area when the first shots were heard.

 

The shots prompted everyone in the vicinity to dive for cover and run for safety, causing pandemonium.

 

Eyewitness accounts, such as Manny Abarca’s interview with CNN, recalled the shooting that unfolded before him just after him and his daughter left the main stage area, “I didn’t know exactly what was happening at the time, but people were saying guns, police, run.”

 

Footage of the scene revealed the shock of the fans as many were initially unsure of the situation.

 

Even the mayor and his family, present in the parade, were forced to flee the scene for safety.

 

Other eyewitnesses also described their confusion and stated that they thought they heard “fireworks.”

 

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves later revealed that a total of 22 people, including nine children, were struck by gunfire.

 

Unfortunately, eight victims are in fatal condition, and seven are potentially fatal.

 

Luckily, all nine children are expected to recover.

 

The rapid response of over 800 police officers, detectives, and the fire department on-site helped attend to the wounded and launch a swift investigation.

 

Initial reports indicate that the shooting is seen to have resulted from an escalated argument rather than being terrorism-related.

 

The Kansas City Chiefs organization conveyed their condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City.”

 

President Joe Biden also addressed the incident, reflecting on the broader issue of gun control and violence in the country.

 

The police have arrested three suspects who may be connected to the shooting, who will undergo further investigation.

 

The city, robbed of what should have been a memorable celebration, instead grapples with shock and fear in the aftermath of this tragic incident.


Yuchan Shim / Grade 10
Cornerstone Collegiate Academy of Seoul