A shooting incident near the England team’s base camp in Kansas City ahead of the World Cup has raised urgent safety concerns for the tournament.
The shooting incident, just minutes from where the Three Lions were scheduled to stay and practice during this month’s group stage, left nine people injured and prompted immediate security scrutiny for the hosts.
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Shooting incident near England team base camp
According to The Sun newspaper, the incident took place on Troost Street, just four miles by car from England’s main training facility and team hotel.
Local police rushed to the scene around 4 a.m. Saturday after receiving reports of multiple shots fired.
When officers arrived, they found a chaotic scene with a large, panicked crowd. Kansas City Police Department Lt. Jake Becchina confirmed that three adult women were initially rushed to the hospital.
Officials later updated the death toll to confirm that a total of nine adults had been shot and were dispersed among medical centers across the country.
Fortunately, all victims are believed to have non-life-threatening injuries. There are currently no suspects in custody and police patrols have been significantly increased in the area while the investigation continues.
The US proved to be a disastrous World Cup host
The closeness of the shooting incident to the elite national team’s campsite intensified the intense criticism facing the United States, which hosts the World Cup.
For many, the preparations for the tournament were an organizational and political disaster.
The security concerns are just the latest in a series of high-profile controversies plaguing the host nation.
Major political incidents have already cast a shadow over developments in the tournament, with Iran’s national team barred from staying in their desired US accommodations due to political restrictions.
Additionally, international teams and fans face tough administrative hurdles. Iraqi soccer player Aymen Hussein was detained at the airport for several hours.
Additionally, widespread visa denials for players, staff, and fans from around the world and an accumulation of chaotic tournaments have raised serious questions about the United States’ ability to safely and smoothly host the world’s biggest sporting event.
