A celebratory rally for the Kansas City Chiefs football team turned tragic on Wednesday when a mass shooting erupted at its conclusion, resulting in the death of radio personality Lisa Lopez-Galvan.
Lopez-Galvan, an on-air personality for community radio station KKFI (90.1 FM), was attending the rally to commemorate the Chief’s victory at Super Bowl LVIII when gunfire broke out.
According to local law enforcement and hospital officials, at least 22 individuals, including 11 children, sustained injuries in the shooting. Police confirmed one fatality during a press conference, although the identity of the deceased victim was not disclosed.
The Kansas City Star later reported that Lopez-Galvan’s family confirmed her passing while undergoing surgery after being shot in the abdomen. It remains unclear whether Lopez-Galvan was the sole fatality.
A beloved figure in the local community, Lopez-Galvan hosted a Hispanic music program titled “Tejano Tuesday” on KKFI. She is survived by her husband and two adult children.
In response to the tragedy, a spokesperson for KKFI expressed condolences to Lopez-Galvan’s family, lamenting the loss of “a beautiful person” from both her family and the Kansas City community.
Three individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting, as reported by local NBC affiliate KSHB (Channel 41). While it remains unclear if a gunman has been identified, initial reports suggested that as many as two individuals may have fired on spectators during the incident. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown.
Addressing the media, Stacey Graves, Chief of Police in Kansas City, acknowledged the involvement of fans in apprehending or pursuing one of the suspects, though she could not confirm the details.
A video circulating on social media purportedly shows bystanders tackling a person identified as a potential shooter. Graves stated that the police are investigating whether the individual in the video is one of the three suspects apprehended.
Graves emphasized that over 800 police officers and law enforcement officials were deployed throughout the parade route to ensure public safety.
Expressing sorrow over the tragic turn of events, a spokesperson for the Chiefs conveyed the team’s condolences to the victims and their families. The spokesperson affirmed that all players, coaches, and team staff were safe.
As investigations continue, the Kansas City community mourns the loss of Lisa Lopez-Galvan and grapples with the aftermath of this devastating act of violence.
