It’s heartbreaking to hear about the tragic incident that occurred on February 14, 2024, during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade at Union Station in Missouri.
The celebration turned into a nightmare as a mass shooting took place, leaving 23 people injured, including one fatality and nine children among the wounded.
The chaos erupted shortly after the parade festivities concluded when shots were reported.
Amid the panic, a courageous individual, an Omaha-based 46-year-old man, Paul Contreras, acted like a superhero by tackling the alleged shooter.
Heroic Kansas City fans tackling and bring down one of the shooting suspects 🙏🏾 #ChiefsParade pic.twitter.com/AUr9U6hofA
— Rare GOAT (@RareGoatee) February 14, 2024
The heroic pindown was captured by his daughter, Alyssa Marsh-Contreras. The clip clearly shows the intense moment as Paul and another bystander subdued the gunman before the police arrived.
As reported by KETV.com, Paul recounted how he initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks, and upon realizing the danger, he took swift action. Despite the harrowing struggle to keep the shooter down, they succeeded until the police intervened.
Reflecting on the incident, Alyssa expressed the bittersweet nature of the experience, turning a once-in-a-lifetime celebration into an unfortunate event. However, Paul remains resilient, stating that such incidents shouldn’t instill fear.
An Omaha hero tackled one of the suspected shooters at today's tragic mass shooting in Kansas City.
"I didn't think about it. It's just a reaction. I didn't hesitate – just do it," said Paul Contreras. #omaha | #chiefsparade pic.twitter.com/DU7RvBEPkD
— Bill Schammert (@BillSchammert) February 15, 2024
In response to the tragedy, the Kansas City Chiefs issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the senseless act of violence. They extended their condolences to the victims and their families while confirming the safety of all their personnel. The team pledged support to the Kansas City community, acknowledging the efforts of local law enforcement and first responders who swiftly responded to the incident.
Statement from the Kansas City Chiefs pic.twitter.com/erKsrF3SX8
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 14, 2024
Missouri’s gun-related statistics paint a concerning picture, according to 2021 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state ranks ninth in the US for gun deaths, a somber reality exacerbated by its high rate of gun ownership. A 2020 study by the RAND Corporation reveals that approximately 48.8% of Missouri adults possess firearms.
The Missouri’s gun laws are regarded as some of the most lenient in the nation, the Giffords Law Center describes them as “appallingly weak.” Notably, purchasing a firearm in the state doesn’t require a background check, and there’s no need for a concealed carry permit. Additionally, there’s no ban on assault weapons.
In 2021, Missouri enacted the “Second Amendment Preservation Act,” a controversial law that deemed federal gun regulations illegal statewide. This legislation also prohibited law enforcement from enforcing any federal laws perceived to “infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms.” However, a federal judge later struck down this law, deeming it unconstitutional. The Supreme Court subsequently upheld this decision.
