Three people were killed in two shootings at Jewish centers in the city of Overland Park, Kansas, in the United States.
The Overland Park Police Chief in Kansas City announced that two men and a woman were killed in the shootings. At a news conference, Douglas said the two men were shot dead at the Jewish Community Center and the woman was shot at Kfar Shalom, an assisted living facility for adults. According to the police officer, the suspect in the shooting, who was arrested a short time later, used a shotgun. A spokeswoman for a church in nearby Leawood told the Kansas City Star that a 14-year-old boy and his grandfather, who were members of the church, were among the dead.
According to a KCTV reporter who witnessed the arrest, the suspect shouted "Heil Hitler" as he was led handcuffed to a van. The suspect in the shooting is Fraser Glenn Cross, a 73-year-old resident of Aurora, Missouri. He was a former leader in the Nazi Ku Klux Klan.
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The shooting incident began around 1:00 p.m. (Kansas time), when shots were reported at two Jewish centers - a community center and the Kfar Shalom retirement center.
Local police arrested the suspect in the shooting at a school near the nursing home.
The first shooting reportedly occurred at a community center in the city, while high school students were there for auditions for a singing competition. "My son and I were walking toward the west entrance of the community center when we suddenly heard some pretty loud gunshots," said an eyewitness to the shooting. "I turned around and I could see a man standing outside a vehicle with a submachine gun and someone lying on the ground next to him." He said he immediately grabbed his son’s hand and they ran toward one of the buildings to hide.
The second incident took place at an assisted living center called 'Kfar Shalom', located about 2.5 kilometers from the community center.
A curfew was declared in the center area, and people were instructed to remain in protected areas.
""No shots were fired inside the center""
The Jewish Center issued a statement stating:
""Our hearts go out to the families of those killed on this tragic day. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to those in and around Kansas City, and around the world, who have expressed their sympathy, concern, and support.".
""No shots were fired inside the center. The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the community center campus. All JCC program participants have been released to their homes.".
""We will release additional information immediately following an update at a press conference at the Overland Police Center at 5:00 p.m. that will be broadcast live.".
""In the meantime, the Jewish Community Center will remain closed tomorrow. Again - our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragic event.".
