KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two men are dead after an officer-involved shooting at 12th and Wyandotte in downtown Kansas City.
Police were dispatched just before 5 p.m. to Barney Allis Plaza. Kansas City police said two men were fighting over a golf cart and a gun.
Matthew Sinno told 41 Action News he saw a fight between two men on Barney Allis Plaza that went on for five to 10 minutes. Sinno said he believed one of the men pulled out a gun and beat the other man with the weapon.
He told 41 Action News officers arrived and yelled at the man to put down the gun. He said he heard six to eight shots.
Alex Williams witnessed the aftermath of the shooting. He described seeing officers perform chest compressions, trying to save the victims' lives.
"It will definitely probably be in the back of our heads when we are walking to lunch and when we’re walking to and from our vehicle now," said Williams.
This was the second fatal, officer-involved shooting in Kansas City, Missouri on Thursday. Earlier in the day, officers shot and killed a woman who was armed with a sword.
KCPD Chief Rick Smith spoke to reporters after the second shooting. He said it was "very unusual" for KC to see two officer-involved shootings in the same day.
I just want the people of this city to know our officers are dedicated to go out here and protect the citizens of this city," said Smith. "Both incidents unfolded protecting other citizens."
KCPD Spokesman Lionel Colon released the following statement Thursday evening:
It is a dangerous calling to be an officer. KCPD understands the concern when deadly force is used. We study the science behind its use. We train accordingly over and over again to thoroughly prepare ourselves. The KCPD knows the public wants to know more about today’s events. We are working diligently and professionally to gather additional facts. We will provide more information as soon as it’s confirmed.
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