Juveniles Charged in Connection with Mass Shooting at Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Rally
Kansas City, Missouri – In the aftermath of a mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl rally, two juveniles have been charged with crimes connected to the incident, according to authorities. The shocking act of violence has left the city reeling, with residents turning to religious gatherings, vigils, and counseling to cope with the horror they witnessed.
The Jackson County Family Court released a statement on Thursday, revealing that the two juveniles are currently being held in the county’s Juvenile Detention Center on gun-related and resisting arrest charges. It is expected that additional charges will be filed as the investigation by the Kansas City Police Department continues. Due to Missouri law, which keeps most juvenile court cases private, no further information was released, and hearings will not be open to the public.
Initially, three juveniles were detained by the police, but one was later released after determining their lack of involvement in the shooting. Authorities are now seeking other individuals who may have been involved and are urging witnesses, victims, and anyone with cellphone video footage of the violence to come forward and contact a dedicated hotline.
The shooting occurred during the conclusion of the parade and rally, claiming the life of a mother and popular disc jockey, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who hosted “Taste of Tejano” on radio station KKFI-FM. A total of 22 others, including more than half who were children, were injured in the incident. As of Friday, two individuals remain in critical condition, one is in serious condition, while most of the injured children have been discharged from the hospital and are expected to recover.
The community is now faced with the daunting task of emotional recovery after witnessing such a traumatic event caused by two juveniles. The police believe that a dispute between several individuals led to the shooting. Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw, speaking at a vigil held in honor of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in the face of tragedy. “Remember that we are not defined by this tragedy. We are defined by our courage, our strength, and our unwavering spirits,” Parks-Shaw said, as reported by the Kansas City Star.
To assist those struggling with the aftermath of the shooting, the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has arranged in-person counseling sessions for those traumatized by the incident. On Thursday, twelve individuals, including two children, attended the counseling session. Additionally, a hotline offering counseling services has been established.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory celebration had previously been uneventful, with no trouble reported during the two previous celebrations. However, this year’s event took a tragic turn when shots rang out as players rode double-decker red buses through the city. Panic ensued as people initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks. Some sought cover, while others jumped over barriers and ran, many carrying children.
In addition to gunshot wounds, several people also sustained injuries amidst the chaos. The police set up a site for individuals to reclaim any personal belongings left behind in the commotion.
Amidst the chaos, two brave men at the rally managed to detain someone with a gun until law enforcement arrived. Paul Contreras of Bellevue, Nebraska, heard a man yelling to stop someone and tackled the person from behind. Contreras noticed that the individual he subdued had a gun and wasn’t sure if they had another weapon concealed. Another man, Trey Filter, joined Contreras in restraining the suspect. Filter recounted the experience, stating, “We’re like, ‘We got him.’ I’ll always remember that. And then they started screaming, ‘There’s a gun!'” Filter’s wife, Casey Filter, found the gun near her as people piled on top of the fleeing suspect.
Despite the presence of over 800 police officers, including those stationed on nearby structures, the shooting still occurred. Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended the rally with his wife and mother, ran for safety when the shots were fired. However, he does not anticipate canceling the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day parade, acknowledging the challenges of public safety but recognizing the importance of continuing with community events.
In a gesture of solidarity and support, Taylor Swift, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, donated $100,000 to Lisa Lopez-Galvan’s family. Two additional $50,000 donations were made under Swift’s name on a GoFundMe page. The singer’s representative confirmed the donations, expressing Swift’s compassion for the victims and their families.
Kansas City has long grappled with gun violence, and in 2020, it was among nine cities targeted by the U.S. Justice Department in an effort to combat violent crime. The city recorded a record number of homicides in 2023, most of which involved firearms. Mayor Lucas has joined forces with mayors across the country in advocating for new laws to address gun violence, including the implementation of universal background checks.
As Kansas City begins its healing process, its residents will continue to support one another, leaning on their unwavering spirits and holding onto hope for a brighter tomorrow.
