KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A Fort Smith man says tonight that he and his son had just left a parade celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win when a deadly shooting began to unfold.
Eight children were among 22 people hit by gunfire in a shooting at the end of Wednesday's parade to celebrate the recent win, authorities said, as terrified fans ran for cover. One person has since been pronounced dead.
Noel Sanger, of Fort Smith, and his son Myles, had just returned to their hotel room when the shooting began to unfold.
"We heard the firecrackers and then the final pop. And then the crowds disperse. We were actually in our room and saw that all happen," Sanger said.
Sanger and his son had planned the trip right after the Chiefs won on Sunday.
"We weren't able to go to the Chiefs game this year, and we've been at Chiefs games just about the past four years together. So, I said 'Hey, we're going to the parade if it happens,' and sure enough, now this," Sanger said.
Sanger says it's hard to come to terms with how this celebration ended.
"Just two or three bad people and that's frustrating that, you know, the vibe in Kansas City, the vibe on the parade. I just hear my son scream. You know, 'Patrick.' Everybody's name was 'Pacheco.' Just so fun to hearing that. And then just some bad actors creating that that it's sad," Sanger said.
Sanger says it didn't really sink in until they were about halfway home.
"It has hit home, hit me a little hard. I was fine until I started driving home and then just kind of look back at Myles and think we we're so close. But then you, you have all your friends text you or message you and say, 'are you okay.' And it's realizing how close you are and how bad it was, you know, you don't realize how bad it was until you hear about it and have people checking on you. And then you start hearing about everyone in the hospitals," Sanger said.
"We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today's parade and rally," the Chiefs said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City."
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