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Two dead in shooting outside Kansas City nightclub

Police say at least 15 others injured
Shooting Scene at nightclub in Independence
Posted at 1:26 AM, Jan 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-20 17:07:57-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two people died and at least 15 others were injured after a shooting outside a nightclub on Sunday night in Kansas City, Missouri, police said.

Kansas City police responded to the 9ine Ultra Lounge near U.S. 40 and South Noland Road around 11:30 p.m.

Officers said the suspect began firing at people standing in line outside the nightclub. According to a Facebook post, the club was hosting a sold-out celebration party after the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship.

UPDATE: Police release more details on the shooting.

KCPD said on Twitter that officers found a deceased man and a deceased woman at the scene. Police believe the dead man was the shooter and the only suspect.

Officers said an armed security guard, who works at the club, shot and killed the suspect.

As police investigated the shooting, at least 15 victims showed up at area hospitals after the shooting. On Monday morning, three of the victims were reportedly in critical condition, according to police.

Centerpoint Medical Center confirmed it treated seven patients from the shooting, including two who were in critical condition. By Monday afternoon, two patients had been treated and released, and five were still in the hospital. Of those five, one is in fair condition, three are in serious condition and one is in critical condition.

Business filings show that the club is owned by former Chiefs player Alphonso Hodge, who played for the Chiefs from 2005-2006 as a cornerback.

KCPD Capt. David Jackson told 41 Action News that police were investigating what may have led to the shooting and what type of firearm was used.

Following the shooting, leaders expressed frustration about violent crime in Kansas City, which saw 148 homicides in 2019, and said it was a sad end to an otherwise celebratory day for the city.

"It just puts such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City," Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said. "It's hard to stand here and talk about this kind of tragedy on really one of the best days Kansas City has had in a long time."

Mayor Quinton Lucas said Monday morning that gun violence requires area agencies to work together to come up with a solution.

"If we don't keep fighting, if we don't think we can make some sort of change, we will see moments like this time and time again, even on days that should be euphoric here in Kansas City," Lucas said.

Police spoke to several witnesses at the club but want to speak with others who may have ran from the gunfire. Anyone with information should call the KCPD Homicide Unit at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477 (TIPS).

Some cars were towed from the nightclub following the shooting. On Monday, the tow lot was closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and people were unable to retrieve them.

Police planned to give another update at 2 p.m. Monday at KCPD headquarters.

This is a developing story. Stay with 41 Action News for updates.