NAVY VET HAILED HERO FOR KANSAS CITY CHIEFS PARADE SHOOTING RESPONSE
Going to a Kansas City Chiefs parade after the Super Bowl is becoming a common occurrence for fans. Led by Patrick Mahomes, the team has won three of the last five Lombardi Trophies. They have every reason to believe that this dynasty run is far from over. Yet, a day of celebration quickly turned into chaos. While the motive and details are still not fully known, a shooting did take place at the Chiefs parade in 2024. However, the actions of Navy Veteran Tony Janssens, among others, are receiving praise for minimizing the damage. Suggested read: Penn and Teller Vegas Magicians Make Magic On USO Tour
The 2024 Kansas City Chiefs Parade Marred by Deadly Shooting
Teams that win the Super Bowl get many rewards, one of them being a hometown parade. The Kansas City Chiefs parade was another great time for the community to celebrate—until it wasn’t. Shots rang out in the crowd who gathered to celebrate the exploits of their favorite players. The Kansas City Chiefs victory parade was officially the scene of an active shooter. Navy Veteran Tony Janssens was in the crowd to celebrate his lifelong football team’s success. Calling the city home since 2020, this was a welcomed occasion for the military-related fan. But instincts would soon take over as he helped identify alleged shooters by chasing them down through the crowd, even hopping over barricades to pursue justice and ensure safety. While the Kansas City Chiefs parade isn’t a warzone, the training on active shooters and other military situations Janssens received helped him make it out of the situation. So far, three people have been detained by authorities in connection with the shooting. Details are still pouring out but charges haven’t been filed yet and two of those detained are believed to be juveniles. What is known for sure is that 22 people have injuries. Half of them are under the age of 16 and victims range from 8 to 47 years old. Sadly, a mother was killed in the senseless act of violence. These horrible details are under continual review, and one of the men helping piece it together is Tony Janssens himself. This is because of his unique proximity to the shooting, which also prompted him to take off after a possible suspect.
Instinct Sparks a Chase
Tony Janssens left the Navy in 2016, but his training stayed with him. While leaving the KC Chiefs parade, shots rang out and while others thought fireworks, he knew better. After dropping to the ground, Janssens looked to see where the shots came from. Then, people began recording the situation. Janssens was helping evacuate the area by reminding people safety was a priority. The crowd would erupt into a reasonable panic. While Janssens was running himself, he would run into a grisly scene. One of those who may have been involved in the shooting was missing his jaw and their friends didn’t know if to help or flee the scene. Janssens realized what was happening. Assessing the situation, it became clear that one of them in the group had a backpack that looked suspicious among other unsettling movements. Janssens also noted that one person was wearing a Carhartt jacket despite the warmer temperatures during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade. It was at this time the Navy Vet saw and notified a state trooper of the suspects. As they approached, the suspect took off between them and Janssens went after them. Janssens would end up sprinting after the person, jumping through the crowd, and yelling for people to stop them. Eventually, Janssens and multiple witnesses were able to deliver statements with the suspects in custody. Related read: Chuck Mawhinney: The Secret Sharpshooting GOAT in the USMC
Keeping Everyone Affected by the Kansas City Chiefs Parade Shooting in Our Thoughts
Should Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs pull off another Super Bowl run next year, Janssens is encouraging people not to be frozen by fear and plans to be at the celebration himself. However, he’s also encouraging enhanced security. There are several talking points that events like this can bring but the one thing that is undeniable is that they shouldn’t be happening. The people of Kansas City, like Janssens, who came together to stop the possible shooters and are helping deliver justice for the victims are reminders that even during the worst of humanity, the good is there. Attending a Kansas City Chiefs parade should be a place of joy. Hopefully, all of the victims and the community can somehow find moments of peace during these heinous events. Read next: Choosing the Best Gun Safe for Veterans