What happened in shooting at North Kansas City High School? What we do & don’t know
Gunfire erupted on campus at North Kansas City High School Saturday, leaving two people injured and sending visitors at the school scrambling for cover.
Investigators have released only a handful of details in the four days since the incident, and a number of questions about the shooting remain unanswered.
North Kansas City spokeswoman Kim Nakahodo told The Star in an email Wednesday that one of the victims was still receiving medical care in an area hospital and said she had no other new information to release. An investigation is ongoing, she said.
A request for an interview with North Kansas City Schools Superintendent Rochel Daniels was not granted Wednesday.
Here’s what we know and don’t know about the incident:
What happened?
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how many shots were fired, the number of people involved and what led up to the incident, remain unclear.
Officials have said a shooting occurred outside on the school campus at the conclusion of the boy’s basketball game between North Kansas City and Staley high schools, which tipped off around 4:30 p.m. A debate event was also taking place on campus.
Law enforcement found a crime scene at the entrance to the football field, which sits along Howell Street, officials have said.
Who was involved?
Officials have said two people, an adult and a North Kansas City High School student, were shot and taken to area hospitals.
The youth, who was specifically identified as an innocent bystander who was struck by gunfire, was released from a hospital and was said to be recovering from their injuries at home. The other victim — the adult — was still receiving care at a hospital, Nakahodo said Wednesday.
It’s unclear how many people were otherwise connected to the shooting. No suspect information has been released.
Officials have said two school resource deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office were on-site working at the game and responded to the report of shots fired. The shooting also drew a large law enforcement response Saturday evening.
What has happened since?
Students returned to classes Monday, with officials saying additional security and counseling services would be available.
North Kansas City was scheduled to host a district championship basketball game Tuesday, but that game was moved to Winnetonka High School “to allow the Northtown community the time to heal, process and connect this week,” the district said in a social media post Monday.
Anyone with information related to the shooting may contact the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers hotline at 816-474-TIPS.
This story was originally published March 6, 2024 at 7:23 PM.
