In a tragic turn of events during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade, a mass shooting occurred, leaving one person dead and at least 21 others injured, including nine children. The incident unfolded as the rally portion of the celebration concluded, with shots reported shortly afterward.
A Bellevue man, identified as Paul Contreras, played a heroic role in the chaotic situation. Contreras, attending the parade with his three daughters, tackled one of the alleged shooters. In an interview, he expressed his thoughts at the time as he said “I didn’t hesitate. It was just do it. So I went to go tackle him and another gentleman did the same thing and as I’m tackling him, I see his weapon either fall out of his hand or out of his sleeve.”
Paul Contreras is one of the men who tackled a gunman to the ground after the Chiefs victory parade. A true hero and a credit to our country. pic.twitter.com/Mt1O5Ly2WM
— IreneBritUSA (@irenebritusa) February 15, 2024
According to eyewitness accounts, Contreras and another bystander subdued the suspect, with Contreras describing the intense struggle to keep him restrained until police arrived as he recalls “It seemed like forever, but it probably wasn’t, it was like 30 seconds holding him down… Where’s the cops? Get the cops over here, get the cops over here.” Contreras’ actions were captured in a video by his daughter, Alyssa Marsh-Contreras.
NEW: The man who tackled a shooter at the Kansas City Chiefs parade speaks out, says he didn’t hesitate when he saw the shooter running by.
Hero!
“I didn't hesitate. It was just do it. So I went to go tackle him and another gentleman did the same thing and as I'm tackling him,… pic.twitter.com/oFepskxkYW
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 15, 2024
Heroic efforts from fan helps restrain gunman; Kansas City Chiefs extends condolences on social media
The Bellevue man’s quick response is credited with preventing further harm as the chaotic scene unfolded. The father-daughter duo is reported to be safe and back home in Bellevue. Despite the tragic turn of events, Contreras expressed that the incident would not discourage them from attending future large events, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such incidents.
The Kansas City police chief, Stacey Graves, provided updates on the situation, stating that 21 people were suffering from gunshot wounds, with nine of them being children. Tragically, one person lost their life in the shooting. Graves commended the prompt response of over 800 law enforcement officers on the scene, expressing anger at the unexpected violence during what was supposed to be a celebratory event.
Update on shooting at Union Station after Chiefs Parade. https://t.co/vFj50HneBH
— kcpolice (@kcpolice) February 14, 2024
The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement expressing sadness over the senseless act of violence and confirming the safety of all players, coaches, staff, and their families. The team extended condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing their close communication with local authorities.
Statement from the Kansas City Chiefs pic.twitter.com/erKsrF3SX8
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 14, 2024
Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a DJ for Kansas City’s KKFI, was identified as one of the victims who lost their life in the shooting. Her brother reported that her two nieces and nephew were also injured.
Celebrations turned Nightmare #KansasCity #ChiefsParade pic.twitter.com/VDoRRBoPbZ
— Rare GOAT (@RareGoatee) February 14, 2024
The aftermath of the incident included the injured being treated at various hospitals, with Children’s Mercy Hospital receiving nine children between the ages of 6 and 15, all expected to make a full recovery. Additionally, three people were detained in connection with the shooting, and police have recovered one firearm.
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