Kansas City police faces backlash for keeping upbeat tweet despite Super Bowl parade shooting

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: The Kansas City Police Department is facing severe criticism for its decision to maintain a tweet that showcased a video of jubilant crowds at the Chiefs Super Bowl Parade, even after a tragic shooting incident occurred at the event.

The tweet, which complimented the attendees with the caption "You look incredible at the parade," remained on the department's Twitter feed for hours after the incident.

Kansas City Police Department maintains tweet about Super Bowl parade attendees

On X, previously known as Twitter, the Kansas City Police Department shared drone footage of Wednesday’s victory celebration.

The post read, "Kansas City, your presence at the Chiefs parade is remarkable. We take pride in serving you, both on the ground and from the sky."

Shortly after the police department's tweet, a tragic incident unfolded as up to three shooters, who have since been apprehended, began firing in Union Square.

This unfortunate event marred what was supposed to be a day of celebration for the city, following the Chiefs' recent victory in Las Vegas.

The shooting incident resulted in at least one fatality and left 29 people injured, among whom nine are believed to be children.

Following the tragedy, social media users expressed their disapproval toward the department for not removing the post.

Numerous social media users urged the police to remove the inappropriate post and offered their condolences to those who lost their lives or were injured in the mass shooting.

One of the victims was Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a well-known DJ from Kansas City and a mother of two. She tragically lost her life during surgery due to a gunshot wound to her abdomen.

The unfortunate incident occurred just moments after the team, including players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, had left the stage, per Daily Mail.

Subsequently, the account @KCKPDChief posted a statement from the Chief of Police, Karl A Oakman, expressing his "thoughts and prayers" for the victims injured in the parade.

How did social media react to KCPD's tweet?

A user tweeted, "YALL REALLY DOUNG THAT WHEN IT WAS LITERALLY A SHOOTING AND TWO PEOPLE DIED???? KANSAS CITY YALL JUST SAD MAN."

"Yet you didn’t stop the gunman." remarked another. 

A user added, "Damn crazy you had to have civilians do your job for you."

"800 of you present and You failed miserably," opined another user. 

Another person slammed, "Maybe get off Twitter and be prepared in case there’s a shooting or something??"

Shannon Watts, American gun violence prevention activist and the founder of Moms Demand Action also wrote, "Over 800 police officers were at the parade today and over a million civilians who were allowed to be armed. Yet they couldn't stop a dozen people from being shot. More guns makes us less safe. #ChiefsParade."

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