16 February 2024 , 18:59
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Authorities have announced the charging of two juveniles in connection to the tragic shooting that marred the celebratory atmosphere of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade earlier this week. The incident left one mother dead and 22 others injured.
According to a statement released by the Jackson County Family Court on Friday, the juveniles are facing charges related to guns and resisting arrest.
They are currently being held at the county's Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities have hinted at the possibility of additional charges as the investigation by the Kansas City Police Department progresses.
The shooting took place Wednesday afternoon outside Union Station, where fans had gathered to celebrate the Chiefs' victory. Victims of the incident ranged in age from 8 to 47, with half of them being under 16 years old.
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First responders tend to an injured person as they bring her out of Union Station near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory parade (AFP via Getty Images)Despite the initial detention of three juveniles, only two remain in custody as one was released after it was determined they were not involved in the shooting.
Law enforcement officials are urging any witnesses or individuals with cellphone footage of the violence to come forward and assist in the investigation. The incident occurred despite a heavy police presence, with over 800 officers deployed in and around the area, including atop nearby structures.
Casualties included one death and at least 21 gunshot injuries (AFP via Getty Images)For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who was present at the event, expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. While acknowledging the challenges posed by public safety issues, he emphasized that the city's tradition of parades, including the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebration, will continue.
Lucas said: "We have parades all the time. I don’t think they’ll end. Certainly we recognized the public safety challenges and issues that relate to them."
People flee after shots were fired near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory parade (AFP via Getty Images)The shooting has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous occasion, with thousands of fans lining the parade route to cheer on their beloved team. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the shots rang out, causing many to seek refuge and leaving others injured in the chaos.
Among those affected was Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a mother and prominent figure in the Latino community, who tragically lost her life in the shooting.
Tributes have poured in for Lopez-Galvan, with donations being made to support her family through various fundraising campaigns. Taylor Swift, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, donated $100,000 to Lopez-Galvan’s family through GoFundMe campaigns.
Kansas City has long struggled with gun violence, and in 2020 it was among nine cities targeted by the U.S. Justice Department in an effort to crack down on violent crime. In 2023, the city matched a record with 182 homicides, most of which involved guns.