Three sports journalists were reporting live on Wednesday when they noticed a shooting had occurred at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade.
Channel 41 reporters Caitlin Knut, Kevin Holmes, and Mick Schaefer were happily discussing the day’s celebrations in the Missouri city when thousands of fans on the street greeted them with an unusual response. Gradually, I realized that I was hearing a lot of screeching and running.
“Oh, the crowd is dispersing,” a confused Knut says as the camera pans to the crowd frantically looking for cover, moments after gunshots ring out at the end of the victory parade on the west side of Union Station. Said.
Shafer tries to explain the sudden breakup, but has no answer until anchor Holmes gingerly points out, “They seem to be running.”
The trio continues to watch in confusion as the realization that they may be in danger takes hold.
“There could be a situation here. We’re going to keep an eye on it,” Knut said.
“Crowds are dispersing pretty quickly and it looks a little different than previous years,” Holmes added.
“We don’t know if they’re rushing to their cars, rushing to a show, or if there’s some kind of disturbance. We’re seeing people jumping over the fence right now, but we don’t know where they’re going. I don’t know exactly if there are.”
Video footage shows Chiefs fans running frantically in different directions as several police officers weave their way through the crowd.
One group of jersey-clad celebrants can be seen lying low to the ground on their knees.
Knut said there was a heavy police presence at the parade throughout the day in anticipation of any kind of disturbance.
At that moment, bystanders began shouting at the three reporters who were filming from a high stage, telling them to hide.
“Some people in the crowd are telling us to get off,” Knut said, before telling teammates inside the station to help her, Holmes and Schaefer stay safe. I asked him to take over the broadcast.
One person was killed and nine others were injured in the chaotic shooting. According to fire officials, three victims were in critical condition and five others were seriously injured.
Several suspected shooters were taken into custody.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas urged revelers to “stay away from the area.”
A child reunification station has been set up inside the main entrance of the station, 2301 Main St. Police said there are “several children who still need to be reunited.”
The shooting remains under investigation.
