Kansas City Police Investigate Alleged Pellet Gun Shooting Outside LGBTQ Bar

Kansas City, Missouri police are currently investigating an alleged pellet gun shooting that took place outside an LGBTQ bar in the early hours of Sunday morning. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of LGBTQ individuals in the area and comes just days before the Kansas City Pride Parade.

Reports of Alleged Pellet Gun Shooting at Fountain Haus

According to a police spokesperson, officers responded to a call at around 1 a.m. on Sunday regarding a person experiencing pain in their arm, believing that they had been struck by a pellet gun while waiting in line outside Fountain Haus, an LGBTQ-friendly venue. Fortunately, no medical attention was required for the injured individual.

Investigation Underway

As the investigation unfolds, it remains unclear whether anyone else in the line was targeted by the alleged shooter. The Kansas City police have assigned their assault squad detectives to the case and are also maintaining contact with the FBI. The authorities are treating the incident as an aggravated assault.

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LGBTQ Venue Takes Measures for Customer Safety

Fountain Haus, located in Kansas City's Midtown Westport, opened its doors in April 2022 with the aim of providing a safe and welcoming space for the local LGBTQ community. In light of the recent incident, the club's management has been in contact with the police department's LGBTQ liaison officer to discuss additional safety measures. However, no official statement has been released by Fountain Haus management at this time.

Incident Raises Concerns Amidst Recent Attacks

This alleged pellet gun shooting is the latest in a series of attacks targeting LGBTQ venues in the past year. In February, a woman was arrested and charged with hate crimes after setting fire to an LGBTQ Pride flag outside a restaurant in New York City. Additionally, a gay couple in Connecticut reported being assaulted outside their own gay bar in October, while a tragic shooting at an LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs claimed five lives and injured 25 others during the same month.

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Kansas City's Stance on LGBTQ Rights

Missouri has seen a surge in anti-LGBTQ legislation, with 48 bills being filed this legislative session, second only to Texas, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. In response to this concerning trend, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas declared the city a sanctuary for transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming care in May. The recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community and highlights the importance of continued efforts to promote inclusivity and protect their rights.

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In the wake of this alleged pellet gun shooting outside Fountain Haus, the local LGBTQ community and its allies are rallying together to demand justice and heightened security measures. With the Kansas City Pride Parade just days away, the incident serves as a stark reminder that progress towards acceptance and equality can still face significant hurdles.