Fans, Chiefs players react to shooting at Super Bowl Parade; Cape Girardeau police offers advice for staying safe at large-scale events
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KBSI) – Fans at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade are in disbelief at the shooting that took place shortly after the parade on Wednesday.
“We saw some people start running, and we were like, okay, well the police ran into the building, so we didn’t worry because there’s a lot of police running, and then somebody said it was a fire, and then she comes running and she’s like, ‘no, it’s shots fired!’ so we started listening to her,” one Chiefs fan said.
“I was just telling everybody to get down, get down and get out of the way, and the officers were coming around,” another fan said.
The Kansas City Chiefs sent their condolences to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City, noting that all players, coaches, staff, and their families have been accounted for.
The players and their families also on hand when the gunfire erupted spoke out about the violence. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebacker Drue Tranquill, and safety Justin Reid took to social media, sending prayers to the city and those at the parade.
Mayor Quinton Lucas said the city has become part of a problematic statistic. He himself was at the parade along with hundreds of law enforcement personnel.
Cape Girardeau Police Department Public Information Officer Bobby Newton explained how his department prepares for large scale events like parades.
“Our officers have an emergency plan in place, so if something were to happen, we can evacuate everybody and get them out safely,” he said. “We also bring in extra officers off duty to have more security in those areas with the fair and also the parades.”
Newton shared this advice for anyone who may find themselves in a situation like those in Kansas City did today.
“Make sure to try and stay calm. Obviously, I know it’s going to be hard to do, but it is of the utmost importance to remain calm,” he said. “Be aware of your surroundings. Know where you’re at at all times. Have an exit plan in mind whenever you arrive there, of if something was to happen, how am I going to get out of here? How am I going to get my family out of here?”
