NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Episode Date: February 15, 2024

The Kansas City Super Bowl parade turns deadly, violent crime spikes in D.C. while falling elsewhere in the nation, and the U.S. investigates civilian deaths by Israeli airstrikes.

Tonight, the celebration for Super Bowl champs, the Kansas City Chiefs marred by a deadly shooting. Chiefs fans running for safety after shots are fired at the Super Bowl victory rally. One person dead, as many as 22 people shot and injured. Among those, 11 children, police snipers standing at the ready. Three suspects now in custody. Just moments before, Travis Kelsey, Patrick Mahomes and their teammates celebrating with a crowd of an estimated one million people, our team at the scene. Also tonight, the standoff in Washington, D.C.

Three police officers shot. The suspect barricaded for hours, still firing shots. Police escorting children to safety. The troubling rise in crime in the nation's capital. The top Republican warning of a serious national security threat and urging President Biden to declassify information on it. Sources telling NBC News it has to do with Russia and space. The major win for Democrats, flipping George Santos' former House seat, what it could mean

come November. The U.S. investigating Israeli strikes that killed civilians in Gaza. And did Israel use controversial white phosphorus in Lebanon? And the young pinball wizard who gave me some pointers 10 years ago, now he's all grown up with a major claim to fame. This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. Good evening. A moment of hometown pride and celebration turned to fear and bloodshed in Kansas City this afternoon

when shots were fired at a parade honoring the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Tonight, at least one person is dead and up to 22 people were shot. Several reported to be in critical condition. The shots rang out near the city's Union Station at the conclusion of the parade. Police say three individuals were detained at the scene. Witnesses shared scenes of chaos as police tried to contain the area. As many as a million people were expected for today's victory rally. Following the shooting, police pressing, confused,

and what appeared in some cases to be unaware fans to leave the area. Our Jesse Kirsch is there for us tonight. Jesse, what is the latest? Lester, a short time ago, a hospital announcing that several children are among those shot after a giant party turned deadly. Tonight, what was meant to be a day of celebration for Kansas City instead became a day of fear and panic. We just heard a bunch of, you know, pop pop and people started running and scattering. The girl next to me where my daughter was standing with her husband

was shot in the mouth. Our children witnessed it. She was on the ground, bleeding from her mouth, all over her shoulder. Police say at least one person was killed and at least 22 shot after a shooting at a parade celebrating the chief's second straight Super Bowl win. Immediately, officers responded to the area, took two people into custody, and also immediately rendered life-sustaining aid to those victims. Just moments earlier, it was an all-out party. Officials had prepared for about a million people to pack downtown. Kansas City, let me hear you one time!

It was all winding down when suddenly the atmosphere changed. We might have a situation here we're trying to keep an eye on. Our Kansas City station, K KSHB was broadcasting live. The mood has definitely shifted here as we're seeing everybody jump barriers. As the shots rang out, confusion in the crowd. As some fans began to flee. They said active shooter, and then so we just dropped down to the ground. My daughter tried to climb on top of me to protect me.

And I tried to just hold her so nothing would happen to her. Police rushed in searching for the shooter. The police chief says the response was immediate with more than 800 officers already on scene for the parade. I'm angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment. The injured carried out on stretchers. A sniper stood ready on a nearby rooftop. Three law enforcement officials briefed on the case tell NBC News the shooting is believed to be criminal in nature and not terrorism. Before the parade, I asked the mayor about plans to keep the event safe. Our police department's prepared for whatever comes our way. The mayor says all Chiefs players, coaches, and staff are accounted for and safe. Tonight,

the Chiefs writing in a statement, we are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence. And three days after winning the Super Bowl, Patrick Mahomes posting, praying for Kansas City. Jesse, what is the latest on the investigation? Police say three people have been detained tonight, Lester, and authorities are looking into the possibility one of them was captured on camera being tackled by bystanders. Lester? All right, Jesse Kirsch, thank you. And this shooting, now the latest violent incident to mar a joyous occasion in America. And it's shining a light on the major challenge law enforcement faces when trying to protect a public event.

Let's get more from Stephanie Goss. They're asking people to get down. Tonight, another city is reeling from a shooting at an event that was supposed to bring people together in celebration, only to end in violence. The Kansas City Chiefs celebrating a championship win, just like Denver this past June, when the Nuggets won the NBA title. Ten people were shot and injured in an area where fans were celebrating. Police said multiple weapons were recovered, along with at least 20 rounds. This unnecessary instance of gun violence that occurred literally in the midst of thousands

of community members who were peacefully celebrating. Police say they believed drugs may have played a role. In recent years, holiday celebrations have also become targets. Like in 2022, the July 4th parade at Highland Park, Illinois. 15 minutes into the festivities, a 21-year-old man opened fire with a high-powered rifle from a rooftop, according to authorities. Seven people were killed and 48 injured. I think the problem is thumbs. I think we've got to get, you know, a strong leadership that cares. In 2021, the theme for the annual Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin, was comfort and joy. But a man with a long history of mental illness slammed his car into the crowd. Six people were killed and over 60 injured, some critically.

Large outdoor gatherings are complicated events to secure, made more difficult by the prospect of people being armed in the crowds. We were here for a safe celebration. And because of two bad actors or more, it is why we're standing here today. The former mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, just posted online that when the Ravens held their Super Bowl parade a number of years ago, all she could think of were possible threats to the celebrations. It's a stark reminder, Lester, of just what's on public officials' minds when they stage these large public gatherings

like this. All right, Stephanie, thank you. We'll turn to another shooting, this one in Washington, D.C. Three officers shot while serving a warrant at a home. The suspect barricaded inside tonight. As Garrett Haik reports, it's part of a surge in violence in the nation's capital. Shots fired on all officers. Tonight, a D.C. neighborhood locked down for hours as police struggled to apprehend a suspect who shot three officers that barricaded himself inside a home and continued shooting. The police union says all the injured officers are expected to survive. This is a magnitude of barricaded himself inside a home, and continued shooting. I got three officers hit. The police union says all the injured officers are expected to survive.

This is a magnitude of police cars I've never seen in my life. The officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant for animal cruelty when the suspect opened fire, according to the D.C. police chief. The moment caught on this doorbell camera across the street. One officer struck twice in the chest, his vest stopping both bullets. What do you make of it? So I grew up in the district. We are kind of migrating back to times of old. The shootings are the latest high profile incident in a city where violent crime spiked 39 percent last year, even as it fell across the country, the district recording its deadliest year in two decades. The police union blaming local leaders. We're short 500 police

officers. It puts us all in danger. Do you feel the staffing shortage is hindering your ability to do what you need to do in the city? I think not just here in the city, I think across the United States, there are staffing shortages with law enforcement officers. The murder of former Trump administration official and father of three, Mike Gill, in a January carjacking, helping elevate D.C. crime into a presidential campaign issue, with Donald Trump floating a federal takeover of the self-governing district. It's a crime fest right now, and we can't have that. The Biden administration is trying to address the rise in violence by surging DOJ resources into the district, including by creating a new specialized gun unit. Lester. Garrett Haig,

thank you. Also in the nation's capital, a top Republican sounding the alarm today about what he warns is a serious national security threat. And we're learning it has to do with Russia's capabilities in space. Peter Alexander is at the White House with more. Tonight, President Biden facing calls to declassify details following a cryptic warning that there's a, quote, serious national security threat to the U.S. That ominous and highly unusual public message from the House Intelligence Committee chairman, Republican Mike Turner, saying the president needs to make that move so that Congress, the administration and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat. Tonight, four sources with knowledge of the matter tell NBC News that

threat refers to a Russian military capability, with two of those sources specifying it refers to Russia's military capabilities in space. We pressed the president's national security advisor about Turner's warning. Can you tell Americans that there's nothing they have to worry about right now in terms of what he describes as a national security threat? In a way, that question is impossible to answer with a straight yes, right? Because Americans understand that there are a range of threats and challenges in the world. I'm confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people going forward. A top House Democrat is urging calm. There's really no cause for panic or alarm around this particular piece of intelligence. And tonight, this from the House Speaker. I want to assure the American people there is no need for public alarm. Steady hands

are at the wheel. We're working on it. Two U.S. officials tell NBC News President Biden has been tracking the threat and directed his national security advisor to engage with top lawmakers, with a meeting already set for tomorrow. The U.S. has long been concerned about Russia's missile and nuclear capabilities, as well as its anti-satellite weapons systems. Peter, you also have new reporting this evening about President Biden's interview with the Special Counsel, Robert Herr. Lesser President Biden became heated, you'll remember, responding to the Special Counsel's assertion

that he could not remember within several years when his son Beau died. Last week, the president criticized Herr for asking him about it. How in the hell dare he raise that? Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, it wasn't any of their damn business. But tonight, NBC News has learned that Herr never asked that question. According to two people familiar with the interview last fall, they say it was the president, not Herr or his team, who first introduced Beau Biden's death. The sources say the president got the date May 30th correct, but not the year. Lester. Peter Alexander of the White House. Thank

you. The president and fellow Democrats celebrating tonight after flipping the House seat vacated by Republican George Santos. The victory coming just a short time after House Republicans impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Ryan Nobles is at the Capitol. Tonight, President Biden forcefully pushing back on the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, slamming it as a, quote, blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship. Republicans have accused Mayorkas of refusing to enforce the law, allowing millions of migrants to enforce the law allowing millions of migrants to cross the border it's a good day when we can start to finally hold people accountable

for what's gone on at the southern border but the push to impeach mayorkas comes on the same night democrats cruise to a victory in a special election on long island taking back a swing seat once held by disgraced congressman ge. We won! Democrat Tom Suozzi attacked the impeachment of the secretary, leaned in on immigration, and hammered Republicans for backing away from the bipartisan border deal. Tom Suozzi talked about common sense solutions and finding bipartisan common ground. Tom Swasey won. But Republicans shaking off the loss, noting it's a blue district that Swasey used to represent. That is in no way a bellwether of what's going to happen this fall.

The Democratic win shrinking the Republicans' razor-thin majority. They can now only afford to lose two GOP members on a party line vote. The House and Senate are not in session next week. When they return, they will only have two days to avoid a partial government shutdown. Lester. Ryan Nobles, thank you. In just 60 seconds, the American teen killed in the West Bank. His parents speaking out to us tonight what they are demanding from the Israeli government. Back now with the tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. launching an investigation into some of the strikes carried out by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.

As we learn more about an American teen killed in the West Bank, Molly Hunter has more from Jerusalem. Tonight, as Israel pushes further south in the Gaza Strip, ramping up its campaign against Hamas, the U.S. is now investigating Israeli airstrikes that have killed civilians, including the use of white phosphorus in Lebanon last October. The U.S. is reviewing the actions of its close ally as part of an effort to track how American weapons are being used. This comes as the conflict escalates tonight across the northern border. Israel striking back at Iranian-backed Hezbollah

after an Israeli soldier was killed in a cross-border rocket attack. And tensions also high in the occupied West Bank. In the village of Bidu, wrapped in a Palestinian flag, the funeral procession for 17-year-old American Mohamed Khadour. Don't be scared, his younger brother whispers. His family says their gentle, kind teen was shot and killed Saturday by an Israeli settler. One human rights group estimates nearly 100 Palestinian children have been shot by settlers or Israeli troops since October.

A lot of people, they think the war and the killing in Gaza, but not. It's in West Bank too. We met his parents, Ahmed and Hanan. Born in Florida, Mohammed was a senior in high school here. His 16-year-old cousin Malik was with him Saturday afternoon at a popular place for picnics. I heard gunshots, Malik says. Mohammed was shot twice in the head, the blood still on Malik's jacket. All our life has changed. We are not the same as before. Everything is different. U.S. officials visited the family earlier today. We're looking for justice. Do you think you'll get it? I hope so. We've asked about that incident. The Israeli military referred us to the domestic security services who have not responded for comment. Lester. Molly, thanks. We're back in a moment

with a radical real estate experiment. the first planned community without cars. There is a bold new experiment underway near Phoenix, Arizona. It's the first planned community in the country without cars, and it's changing everything about how residents there live. CNBC's senior real estate correspondent Diana Olick reports. This brand new rental community in Tempe has all the amenities, fitness center, dog park, outdoor kitchens, but something's missing. So there are no cars in this community at all. Isn't it great? Cul-de-sac is the first community in the U.S. designed and built specifically for car-free living.

Co-founder Ryan Johnson says the demand is strong. Every generation, including 92% of Gen Z, would like to pay more to live in a walkable neighborhood. Retail, restaurants, and to start, nearly 200 apartments, all within steps of each other. No cars means no parking spaces, no garages. Because we don't have residential parking, it opens us up to have 55% landscape space. We get to add so much to the neighborhood. Like social spaces around every corner.

The complex is strategically located right next to the area's light rail system. All residents get a free pass. The first 200 also get a free electric e-bike. And a partnership with Lyft gets them discount rides. I've been fine just going via rail or just biking. Juan Ramos, among the first 100 to move in here, grew up in Arizona but left because he didn't like the car-dependent sprawl. At 27, he just came back and says living car-free has opened his eyes. Frankly, for most of the apartments I've lived in for years, I've never even talked to my neighbors.

I know people, like, that's Pete over there, that's Ben over there, and I'm like, that's the first time I've said that. Residents often gather near the retail stores, which focus on small businesses. Jada Stratman is moving both her HomeSense business and herself in. It's not as affordable out here as it was a few years ago, you know. And having that opportunity to live and work where you are and just have it as one, that's perfect. Walkable neighborhoods are all well and good when the weather's fine, but temperatures here in the summer can sit over 100 degrees for weeks at a time. And that'll be the real test to see if

carless living can really go the distance. Lester. All right, Diana, thanks. After the break, the new pinball wizards, why a new generation is going full tilt for the classic arcade game. Finally, tonight, pinball's back with a new generation embracing the beloved old-school arcade game, including a young pinball wizard who once gave me a few pointers. Here's George Solis. Chances are, you've never seen pinball played quite like this. The action at this pinballer's paradise in Wilmington, Delaware delaware so fast-paced scores almost seem made up a couple hundred million is a pretty good score on that game in general

no biggie for pinball prodigy and full-time college student 19 year old jason zahler playing since he was three years old he is currently ranked the number one player in the world by the international flipper pinball association the governing body for pinball as a collective sport. Earning his title by competing in more than 240 national and international tournaments, awards on display at home where Jason mastered the game. See, very little effort and you've got control like that. I'm the one player in the world saying I didn't do so bad. That's pretty good.

But his presence at this local tournament has some competitors ready to tilt. It can be intimidating. You know you're not going to have a very good chance, but you've got to try anyway. If Jason is the pinball prince, his father Steve is the pinball wizard. He wouldn't stop playing those machines until he beat every last high score that I had. So, and I spent a lot of time on those machines. Likely why he's ranked 24th best in the world. Do you ever get a little competitive with your son? We're definitely rivals. Today, finishing in a respectable fifth place, his ranking unscathed. Jason's consolation prize, bigger than any trophy.

One more game alongside his dad. Chase, you having fun? You having fun? I'm having fun. A shot this champion never misses. George Solis, NBC News, Wilmington, Delaware. He makes it look so easy. That's nightly news for this Wednesday. Thank you for watching.

I'm Lester Holt. Please take care of yourself and each other. Good night.