Missouri Governor Blames 'Thugs' For Mass Shooting, Ignores Gun Laws Issue

The mass shooting that occurred in Kansas City on Wednesday is raising questions and prompting discussion surrounding state gun laws -- again.

No permit is required to purchase, register, or carry a firearm in Missouri, however, the state's law does state that intentionally displaying a firearm in an angry or threatening manner not necessary for self-defense is prohibited.

The state's gun laws have been a topic of discussion after individuals opened fire at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade. The governor, however, is seemingly dismissing the laws and is just blaming "thugs" for the tragedy.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson, a Republican, spoke on the tragedy on Thursday, stating, "What happened yesterday with those thugs is not who we are in Missouri."

"And we’re not, and it’s just a shame they got center stage yesterday under an event that should have been a totally positive event," he added.

In Kansas City, local law does require a state concealed carry permit for open carry. Additionally, the state of Missouri doesn’t require firearms to be registered and doesn’t require background checks to purchase a gun from a private seller.

The Missouri Governor went on to say, “You just got some absolutely, be careful what I say before I say something I’m gonna probably regret, but just a bunch of criminals, thugs out there, just killing people at an incident like that and attempting to kill all those people and created such chaos that people got hurt, being trampled."

"I hope that prosecutors and judges and everybody understands how serious this is," he added.

President Joe Biden called for stricter gun laws following the mass shooting, stating, "The Super Bowl is the most unifying event in America. Nothing brings more of us together. And the celebration of a Super Bowl win is a moment that brings joy that can't be matched to the winning team and their supporters. For this joy to be turned to tragedy today in Kansas City cuts deep in the American soul."

"Today's events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting. What are we waiting for? What else do we need to see? How many more families need to be torn apart?" he continued. "It is time to act. That's where I stand. And I ask the country to stand with me. To make your voice heard in Congress so we finally act to ban assault weapons, to limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, keep guns out of the hands of those who have no business owning them or handling them."

The President concluded with, "We know what we have to do, we just need the courage to do it."

Article 1, Section 23 of Missouri's Constitutional Provision reads:

“That the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms, ammunition, and accessories typical to the normal function of such arms, in defense of his home, person, family and property, or when lawfully summoned in aid of the civil power, shall not be questioned. The rights guaranteed by this section shall be unalienable. Any restriction on these rights shall be subject to strict scrutiny and the state of Missouri shall be obligated to uphold these rights and shall under no circumstances decline to protect against their infringement. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the general assembly from enacting general laws which limit the rights of convicted violent felons or those adjudicated by a court to be a danger to self or others as result of a mental disorder or mental infirmity."

The tragedy, which left one individual dead and 22 others injured, including young children, occurred during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade on Wednesday. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive for the shooting.

Three people were detained in connection with the shooting — two of whom are believed to be juveniles.