A 73 year-old man, Frazier Glenn Cross, was taken into custody in connection with the incident. He is known as a former KKK leader. He faces charges of premeditated first-degree murder. He is not from Kansas.
At the time of the shooting, the community center was full of young teens participating in the auditions for a dance competition and dance recitals. It was possibly an anti-Jewish oriented criminal action because the suspect was heard yelling anti-Semitic slurs when the police arrested him. An eyewitness from the scene related that another man armed with a gun was seen at the time of shooting took place.
The Jewish Community Center in Kansas City said in a statement: “Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered loss on this tragic day. Our heartfelt gratitude as well to all those in Kansas City and around the world who have expressed sympathy, concern and support.” They added more precise information about the tragedy: “No shooting occurred inside the Jewish Community Center buildings; the shooting occurred in the parking of the Jewish Community Campus.”
The authorities have increased the patrols around religious places of worship for the Passover and Easter holidays.
