Kansas City Chiefs parade mass shooting suspects were juveniles fighting over 'personal dispute'

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Two of the three suspects who are currently arrested by Kansas City authorities over the horror Super Bowl parade mass shooting are juveniles, officials revealed Thursday, February 15. 

While speaking at a press conference outside the city's police headquarters, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said investigators believe the shooting was triggered by a personal dispute between a small group, and the parade was not the target. 

What did the authorities say?

The mass shooting on Wednesday saw at least 21 people shot and one killed, and the press conference confirmed the death of a beloved Kansas City radio DJ. "This was a dispute that ended in gunfire," said the chief, who said a total of 10 people were questioned in the aftermath, and further arrests are possible.

Officials said the over two dozen victims ranged from aged eight to 47, at least half of whom were under the age of 16.

What led to this incident?

According to Graves, the incident was prompted as a result of Kansas City's rampant gun violence issues, and does not have "any nexus (connection) to terrorism" at this time. At the press conference, the city's fire chief spoke briefly and said that at least eight victims remain in critical condition. 

At least five individuals were reportedly taken into custody

Several images circulated on social media which showed at least five people being taken into custody following the shooting. Several of them appear to be juveniles, and were pictured being handcuffed and hauled away by cops. 

As of now it is not evident if any of those photographed are among the three suspects. One of the suspects was wearing a yellow Patrick Mahomes as he was cuffed by police. The Kansas Police Department has told Daily Mail that they would not disclose the names of the suspects until they are officially charged with the crime. 

After the shootout began around 3.30 pm on Wednesday, February 14, police have a day to bring charges against those arrested, with the suspects appearing to be quickly taken into custody. 

What did the city mayor say?

Kansas City mayor did not release any statement but answered a few questions from the reporters, convincing them that he would consider blocking a future parade next year. Lucas further elaborated during a separate press interview at 6 am Thursday that he could axe the parade if the Chiefs were to win again out of an abundance of caution. 

Lucas offered scant new details on the tragedy early Thursday morning, and apologized for "failing to keep everybody safe' at the family event."

"I'm sorry that this happened yesterday," he said. "We worked hard to put on an exceptional parade, we spent millions on it, but we failed to keep everybody safe and that's something I have great guilt over."