Calls to action punctuate vigil for victims of Wednesday’s mass shooting at Union Station

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City community linked arms in solidarity Thursday night following a deadly shooting that sent dozens of people to area hospitals.

One woman was killed and 22 others were shot near the rally stage of the Chiefs Super Bowl victory celebration Wednesday afternoon.

Nearly half of the victims were children. The two suspects in police custody are both under the age of 18. Police said the shooting stemmed from an argument between two groups.

A violence prevention group called KC Common Good hosted a vigil at a park next to Children’s Mercy Hospital, bringing together clergy, city leaders, and hurting residents in an effort to bring comfort, hope, and change.

Many came in their Chiefs gear. Some were close friends of Lisa Lopez-Galvan.

READ MORE: Kansas City’s westside neighborhood feeling loss of Lisa Lopez-Galvan

Christina Nuñez described Lopez-Galvan as someone who treated friends as family.

“I hate that God took such a beautiful person,” Nuñez said to the group gathered with candles in hand. “If she knew you, you were her family.”

Lopez-Galvan hosted a community radio show called Taste of Tejano. Rosina Valdivia’s sons grew up with Lopez-Galvan in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood.

Valdivia’s moment at the microphone was unplanned. Her voice grew louder like a summer coming to a boil.

“We are sad. We’re heartbroken, but most of all, we’re angry that her life ended so tragically,” Valdivia said.

READ MORE: Bystander tells of tackling armed, fleeing person after shooting at Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade

There were thoughts and prayers but also calls to action.

“If we can gather like this in this short amount of time, imagine how we can gather and wrap our arms around this issue,” said Kyle Hollins, a leader at the youth empowerment Lyrik’s Institution. It was that call to change that resonated most to Núñez.

“I hate that we had to lose her this way, she said through tears. “But if that’s what it takes, for her to be lost that way, to get something done for the community, I think she would want it that way.”

KC Common Good offered more than just a general “we have to do something” sentiment.

They ed out a list of ten ways to reduce violence. It includes a list of categories, from employment to conflict resolution to trauma resources, with specific organizations to get involved with.

You can find it in this section of KC Common Good’s website.

Additional resources are below:

• 988 is a 24/7 mental health crisis line.
• YCHAT at 816-799-1720 is a 24/7 youth violence prevention line

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