Kansas City, MO — Chaos erupted during the DeLaSalle High School graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 18, as gunfire broke out amidst the celebrations, leading to multiple injuries. The incident occurred at the De La Salle Education Center located at 3737 Troost Ave. around 4 p.m., sending shockwaves through the community and turning a moment of achievement and joy into one of terror and tragedy.
According to the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, emergency crews were dispatched to the scene following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, first responders discovered that an altercation had erupted between two groups during the ongoing graduation ceremonies, culminating in at least one individual discharging a firearm.
Sources informed Channel3 NOW that two people were shot during the incident, with one potentially deceased. Additionally, multiple parked cars were struck by gunfire, further highlighting the extent of the chaos. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as several children and elderly individuals were trampled in the ensuing commotion.
The injured individuals were quickly attended to by emergency medical personnel, and those requiring further treatment were transported to nearby hospitals. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and their conditions remain unknown at this time. The police have not identified any suspects, and no arrests have been made immediately following the incident.
Authorities have urged the public to stay out of the area as they conduct a thorough investigation. The Kansas City Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, is working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident and to identify those responsible.
The DeLaSalle High School graduation ceremony, meant to be a day of celebration for students and their families, was marred by this senseless act of violence. Parents, students, and faculty members were seen comforting each other outside the education center, grappling with the shock and disbelief of the situation.
Witnesses described the harrowing moments when the gunfire erupted. “It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, and then suddenly there was chaos,” said one attendee. “People were screaming and running. It was terrifying.”
Law enforcement agencies are calling on anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking with witnesses who may have seen the altercation that led to the shooting. Community cooperation is vital in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of public events in the future.
In the wake of this tragedy, local officials and community leaders are urging calm and unity. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” said a spokesperson for the Kansas City Police Department. “We are committed to finding those responsible and holding them accountable. This kind of violence has no place in our community.”
The DeLaSalle Education Center issued a statement expressing their sorrow over the incident and their commitment to supporting the affected families. “We are heartbroken by the events that transpired today,” the statement read. “Our primary focus is on the safety and well-being of our students and their families. We will be providing counseling and support services to help them through this difficult time.”
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of violence at public events, raising concerns about safety and security measures. Community leaders are calling for increased security at school events and more comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, seeking answers and hoping for justice. The Kansas City Police Department is expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, they are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact them directly.
The DeLaSalle High School community, like many others across the country, is now faced with the challenge of healing and moving forward in the wake of such a traumatic event. As they come together to support one another, the hope is that they can find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
