A man yelled, “Heil Hitler,” after he was taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of three at two Jewish-related sites in the Kansas City area.
Two males were killed outside the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City. A female was killed a few minutes later in the parking lot at Village Shalom, an assisted living facility.
The suspect shot at two other people, but the bullets did not hit them, said Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass.
The victims apparently did not know their killer, Douglass said.
The suspect is a man in his 70s who wasn’t known to Overland Park authorities before Sunday. He is not from Kansas. His vehicle apparently had Missouri plates. Douglass wouldn’t say whether the man, who is being held at the Johnson County Jail, is from Missouri.
Douglass also wouldn’t say whether the shootings were anti-Semitic hate crimes. He said authorities are evaluating comments that the suspect made after he was arrested.
It is a joint federal-state investigation with the offices of U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom and Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe involved.
CNN is reporting that one of the victims is a 14-year-old boy.
The suspect was arrested at the Valley View Park Elementary School, which is a mile away from Village Shalom. KCTV5’s Bonyen Lee says the suspect appeared to yell “Heil Hitler” as he was being led away in handcuffs by Overland Park police.
Douglass said the first 911 call about the JCC shooting came at 1:03 p.m. This happened outside the Lewis and Shirley White Theatre, which was packed.
Teens were auditioning for KC SuperStar and parents were frantically trying to get to their children.
In addition, a performance of To Kill a Mockingbird was underway when the shots rang out at the theater.
Jenessa Watkins, a dance instructor, said she was a group of children when they were rushed to the theater. She said when she learned about the shootings that she tried to stay composed, but she couldn’t help but think of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre.
A second shooting was reported a few minutes later at Village Shalom, which is an assisted living center at 5500 West 123rd St.
Worried relatives of residents tell KCTV5 that Village Shalom was placed on lockdown.
Phyllis Cantor, who is undergoing rehabilitation at Village Shalom, said she heard the sound of sirens. She said many police officers are at the scene and their focus appears to be on a white car in the parking lot.
The Jewish Community Center will be closed on Monday. The JCCC said that “our hearts go out to all those affected and touched” by the tragedy.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered loss on this tragic day. Our heartfelt gratitude as well to all those in Kansas City and around the world who have expressed sympathy, concern and support,” the JCC said in its statement. “Everyone participating in JCC programming has been released to their homes.”
Temple Israel and St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church will hold a vigil at 8 p.m. Sunday.The vigil will take place at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, 12251 Antioch Road, Overland Park. Organizers say all are welcome to attend and show support to the victims and their families.
U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, who represents the district, expressed his sorrow in a statement.
“I’m heartbroken to learn of the senseless shootings this afternoon at the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom,” he said. “Brooke and I send our prayers and thoughts to the families and victims of this tragedy and our office stands ready to provide any needed assistance.”
Rabbi Mark Levin of Congregation Beth Torah offered prayers.
“May God bring comfort and hope to the victims and their families. This is a very difficult time, and our best response is to support those who have suffered a loss, and be alert for those who are feeling threatened and grieving. This is a time for this community to come together,” Levin said.
KCTV5 has multiple crews at the scene. Refresh this page for updates.
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