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NINE individuals were injured in a mass shooting that took place mere minutes from England’s World Cup base in Kansas City, Missouri.
Authorities responded to gunfire reports on Troost Avenue, situated only a short four-mile drive from the training facility and hotel used by the Three Lions during the group stages of the tournament.
Police were dispatched at approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday morning after gunshots were reported in the area.
Upon their arrival, officers found a chaotic scene with a large crowd dispersing.
Kansas City Police Department Captain Jake Becchina informed The Athletic that early reports indicated three adult females were taken to the hospital due to injuries sustained in the incident.
Later confirmations revealed that nine adults had been shot and were transported to various local hospitals.
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All injured parties are reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
As of now, no suspects are in custody, and police continue to maintain increased patrols in the area as the investigation proceeds.
This incident comes just days before England is set to arrive in Kansas for the tournament.
The squad is currently in Palm Beach, Florida, wrapping up their preparations for the World Cup.
They achieved a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in their first warm-up match in Tampa on Saturday, gaining momentum ahead of the competition.
England is scheduled to next face Costa Rica at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday, before traveling to Kansas City on Saturday, June 13.
Once in the city, they will remain throughout the tournament.
Training will be conducted at Swope Soccer Village, which hosts Sporting KC’s reserve and academy teams, located in the southeast of the city.
Other major international teams, including Argentina’s national football team and the Netherlands’ national football team, are also set to train in Kansas City.
Argentina will utilize Sporting Kansas City’s main training facility, while the Netherlands plans to practice at the Kansas City Current’s base from the National Women’s Soccer League.
An FA spokesperson declined to comment when contacted.
