SUPER BOWL LVIII
President Biden and VP Harris react to Chiefs Super Bowl parade fatal shooting
The president of the United States asks for the country to stand with him in this election year to stop gun violence tearing them apart.
It was meant to be a coming together of sports fans to celebrate a wonderful achievement. It turned into yet another tragedy with guns pushed back up the political agenda.
President Joe Biden called for action against gun violence following the shooting that occurred on Wednesday after the Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, Missouri, where one person died and at least 21 were injured. In a statement released by the White House, Biden expressed deep sorrow that the celebration of the Super Bowl victory, “the most unifying event in America,” turned into a tragedy. He urged citizens to pressure Congress to ban assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, and keep guns out of the hands of those who should not possess or handle them.
Biden emphasized the need for courage to take action, noting that the shooting occurred on the sixth anniversary of the Parkland high school massacre in Florida, where 17 people, including 14 students, were killed. He highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities, stating that it is unacceptable and urging the nation to decide its identity.
How many victims in Kansas City shooting?
Among the 21 gunshot victims, eight are considered to be in immediate danger of death, seven with potentially fatal injuries, and six with minor injuries, as detailed by Ross Grundyson, the chief of the Kansas City Fire Department, in a press conference. Stacey Graves, the chief of the local police department, announced the arrest of a third person during the incident, in addition to the “two armed individuals” previously reported, who are currently considered suspects.
Vice President Kamala Harris also spoke to reporters after the event to highlight again the “senseless gun violence” and say that “it doesn’t have to be this way.” Countries around the world with sensible gun laws nod along and social media lit up with the usual mix of people pushing for lawmakers to make a difference and others trying to argue that it’s not a gun problem. Some ask the question: “why are no guns allowed at the NRA conventions?”