Toriano Porter

Who brings a gun to a victory parade, anyway? Someone did, and this mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade puts a stain on the city.

I attended Wednesday’s parade. The atmosphere was festive and fun. Never would I have thought a mass shooting or any sort of violent act would occur. Gun violence knows no bounds, it seems.

Shortly after the Chiefs rally ended Wednesday, gunfire erupted on the west side of Union Station, according to Kansas City Police. One person was killed and 10 to 15 people were injured by gunfire, police said Wednesday. Several people were struck and taken to area hospitals, according to police.

“At the conclusion of the rally there were shots fired west of Union Station near the garage and several people were struck,” police wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

After the shooting, two armed people were taken into custody, according to police. If they are indeed our shooters, good work by Kansas City police officers apprehending the pair so quickly. The last thing we need here is gunmen on the loose after a mass shooting.

After the shooting, people rightfully scattered, leaving children separated from their families. Props to Kansas City Police. The department’s swift response to the shooting should be noted.
On X, department officials reminded the public of child reunification stations in the area.

“Remember the child reunification stations in the area are at 2301 Main and inside the main entrance of Union Station,” officials wrote. “We still have several needing reunification. Contact the officer nearest you for reunification information.”

Police chief ‘angry at what happened’

In a press conference held later that day, Police Chief Stacey Graves noted the presence of about 800 law-enforcement officials did not deter the suspected shooters from firing weapons. “I’m angry at what happened today,” Graves said. We all should be.

I arrived near the parade route about 9 a.m. and parked near 22nd and Campbell. I walked to The Star’s office nearby to say hello to coworkers before a 10 a.m. meeting with my colleagues on the Editorial Board. I hadn’t planned on writing about the parade, but I did want to revel in what I described as a walking tailgate for Chiefs fans.

From The Star’s offices, I walked north down McGee Street to 18th. Every fan I encountered was jovial and seemed in good spirits. Shortly before 11 a.m., I stopped for coffee at a pop-up on 18th Street before making my way west to Grand Boulevard near The Star’s old office at 17th and Grand. Not one person I spoke with or shook hands with displayed ill will or discontent being there. I stayed in my spot until Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes passed by shortly after noon.

I dispersed without a worry in the world. Then, I received a breaking-news alert about a shooting at Union Station. My heart sank. I thought: How could this be? The sun was out, the weather was great, and the Chiefs were being celebrated as world champs. It was a perfect day — until it wasn’t.

Not the only gun violence at festivities

Mayor Quinton Lucas thanked law-enforcement officials and other first responders who aided gunshot victims. The White House was aware of the shooting, according to Lucas. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly tweeted that she got away from the scene safely. Federal officials will assist with the investigation as needed, the mayor said.

The mass shooting wasn’t the only incident of gun violence at the parade, according to The Star’s Bob Cronkleton, who wrote: “Earlier in the day, two people were shot near 27th and McGee streets, according to Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The victims were said to have non-life-threatening injuries.”

Yes, we have a constitutional right to bear arms, but we still live in a civilized society. Kansas City is not the Wild West. Leave your guns and weapons at home next time. I am praying for these and all victims of gun violence. Enough is enough.

In Kansas City, we’re privileged to celebrate three Super Bowl victories in five years. My hope is this shooting does not deter us from gathering again for another world championship celebration in the future.

Toriano Porter is an opinion writer for The Kansas City Star.