Missouri

Man falsely IDed as Chiefs parade shooter refiles lawsuit against Missouri lawmakers

Published

1 year ago

November 2, 2024

Man falsely IDed as Chiefs parade shooter refiles lawsuit against Missouri lawmakers

Rudi Keller
| Missouri Independent

Three Republican Missouri state senators — including one running for secretary of state — are once again being sued by the man they incorrectly identified in social media posts as being the shooter at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory celebration.

Denton Loudermill of Olathe, Kansas, filed lawsuits Thursday against state Sens. Denny Hoskins of Warrensburg, Rick Brattin of Harrisonville and Nick Schroer of Defiance. In the individual lawsuits, each is accused of violating Loudermill’s privacy and libeling him with their posts.

Hoskins is the GOP nominee for secretary of state. Brattin is seeking re-election in the 31st Senate District. Schroer, who won his seat in the Senate in 2022, is not on the ballot this year.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Similar lawsuits against all three men were dismissed Oct. 21 in Kansas federal court when U.S. District Judge John Broomes ruled he did not have jurisdiction over Brattin, Hoskins and Schroer.

In the more than nine months since the Feb. 14 victory parade and pep rally, people have not stopped making him feel uncomfortable, Loudermill said in a news conference with one of his attorneys, LaRonna Lassiter Saunders.

Loudermill works at a car wash.

“They come through looking at me, on video on their phone, saying ‘yeah, that’s him,” he said. “That worries me sometimes.”

In an interview with The Independent, Lassiter Saunders said she believes the jurisdictional issue is solved with the new filing. It was important to refile the cases quickly, she said, because the legal nuances could be missed by a public that has only heard the cases were dismissed.

“It’s reported that the case gets tossed, then they’re thinking, there’s some merit to the Missouri senators position,” Lassiter Saunders said.

Hoskins, reached via text message, declined to respond to the new filing.

“I have not been served and I have no comment at this time,” he said.

Brattin and Schroer did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Like thousands of other regional residents, Loudermill went to Union Station in Kansas City for the pep rally that followed the Chiefs’ victory parade after this year’s Super Bowl. As the crowd was departing, an argument in the crowd resulted in gunfire.

The shooting at the end of the victory celebration left one person dead and at least 24 people injured.

Loudermill, who was born in Kansas and lives there now, was detained briefly because he was too slow to leave the area of the shooting, he told The Independent earlier this year.

A photo of him, seated, with his hands restrained behind his back, was posted on X, formally known as Twitter, by an account with the name Deep Truth Intel. That post incorrectly identified him with a name associated with misinformation posted after other shootings and said he was an undocumented immigrant.

Soon after that initial social media post, the Missouri Freedom Caucus, Hoskins, Brattin, Schroer and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Tennessee Republican, posted their own versions, some with the photo, some without. Burchett’s post said he was one of the shooters and referred to him as an “illegal alien.”

Burchett later deleted the tweet but included a screenshot of it that is still visible in a separate post.

A lawsuit filed against Burchett in Kansas was also dismissed because of jurisdictional issues. Lassiter Saunders said Thursday that she is working with attorneys in the Washington, D.C., area to refile the case against Burchett.

“He is not off the hook,” she said.

Hoskins’ version on social media shared a screenshot of the initial anonymous post and blamed President Joe Biden and political leaders of Kansas City for making the shooting possible.

Brattin’s first post linking Loudermill to the shooting, since deleted, demanded “#POTUS CLOSE THE BORDER” and incorporated the deleted anonymous post that kicked everything off.

Schroer was the least certain post about the immigration and arrest status of Loudermill among the three.

Schroer’s post included a link to one from Burchett stating, over Loudermill’s photo, that “One of the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade shooters has been identified as an illegal Alien.”

“Can we get any confirmation or denial of this from local officials or law enforcement?” Schroer wrote. “I’ve been sent videos or stills showing at least 6 different people arrested from yesterday but officially told only 3 still in custody. The people deserve answers.”

In the complaint filed against Brattin, attorneys wrote that the lawmakers had no reason to make the comments directed at Loudermill.

“The publication of the false representation that plaintiff was an ‘illegal alien’ and a ‘shooter’ was not made in good faith nor was it made by (Brattin) with any legitimate interest in making or duty to make such assertions,” the filing states.

In the Kansas cases, the lawmakers were represented by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who raised both the jurisdictional objections and claims that the senators were acting in their official capacity when they made their posts on social media. Therefore, the filings stated, they are protected by “legislative immunity.”

When the case was dismissed, Bailey put out a statement saying it was a victory for keeping “questions of Missouri law … in Missouri courts.”

Bailey’s office did not respond immediately to an email asking if the office would again provide representation. Lassiter Saunders said the attorney general should not take the case again.

“I would hope not, but given the track record of the attorney general doing as he pleases, it’s a possibility,” Lassiter Saunders said.

Bailey’s participation in the case generated its own dispute. In a May letter to the commissioner of the Office of Administration, the state agency that certifies payments from Missouri’s legal expense fund, Gov. Mike Parson wrote that no payments related to the lawsuits should be certified “without my approval or a court order.”

Bailey’s claim of legislative immunity is based in the Missouri Constitution’s provisions on legislative privileges. Along with being immune from arrest for minor offenses while the General Assembly is in session, members also “shall not be questioned for any speech or debate in either house in any other place.”

Social media posts are not statements or speeches made during debates in the chambers, Lassiter Saunders said.

“It wasn’t legitimate legislative activity,” she said. “They were following this story like hundreds of thousands of other people seeing tweets, retweeting, and we don’t believe it was the same.”

The lawsuit seeks to vindicate a core American principle, the right to be let alone, Lassiter Saunders said.

“I would like to refocus the attention from politics to the principle of, private citizens should have the right to live their lives privately,” she said. “The elected officials need to be mindful and do a better job of not just speaking out because they have the authority to do so.”

The lawsuit states that because of the hostility of some people in the public, Loudermill has “injuries and actual damages including mental distress, sleeplessness, anxiety, and agitation.”

He rarely goes out, Loudermill said.

“I’m just getting all the attention still,” he said. “ I just want them to pay for that.”

This story was first published at missouriindependent.com.

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Missouri

Missouri auditor to probe St. Louis arts funder after whistleblower complaint

Published

2 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Missouri auditor to probe St. Louis arts funder after whistleblower complaint

Missouri state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has launched a review of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis’ finances.

The audit is in response to complaints from a whistleblower who alerted the office to possible misuse of funds, Fitzpatrick said Tuesday. The auditor’s office then reviewed documents provided by RAC during an initial investigation before launching a full audit.

“We have verified the veracity of the whistleblower complaint, and have seen with our own eyes at this point records that give us enough concern that we want to proceed with an audit,” Fitzpatrick said.

The auditor’s report could be released late this year or in early 2027, he added. It would then be up to state and local authorities to follow up on any potential misconduct.

In an unsigned statement, RAC said it receives an annual audit from a firm selected by the offices of the St. Louis mayor and St. Louis County executive and that it shares the results publicly. “[We] are confident the findings from the state will mirror the success we have come to expect at the local level,” the statement says.

“We welcome the opportunity to provide documentation and context regarding our financial practices and grantmaking processes. As always, RAC will continue to focus on serving the St. Louis region’s arts and cultural community and maintaining the public’s trust,” the statement adds.

Potential issues identified in the state auditor’s initial investigation include the possibilities that RAC’s administrative expenses exceed what is allowed by statute, that leaders issued bonuses disallowed by the state constitution and that large grants were issued with no follow-up to ensure the money was used properly.

Fitzpatrick said his actions are not related to the commission’s choice of grant recipients.

Changes to the grant process

RAC distributes annual grants to arts organizations in St. Louis and St. Louis County. It is funded by a tax on hotel and motel stays. The commission distributed $3.7 million last year.

The organization suspended grant applications for fiscal 2026 due to “continuing financial volatility” and a new five-year plan, according to a note on its website. It will use applications received in 2025 as a guide for its 2026 grants.

Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis

Vanessa Cooksey took leadership of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis in 2021.

“This pause allows RAC to support eligible and high-scoring 2025 grantees and applicants while navigating financial challenges and planning for a stronger, more sustainable grant program in the future,” the note says.

RAC publishes a list of its annual grants online.

Vanessa Cooksey became president and CEO of the organization in 2020 after it spent a year without a permanent leader. Previous chief Felicia Shaw had stepped down in November 2019. Neither Shaw nor RAC provided a public explanation for Shaw’s departure.

Some smaller organizations had complained that during Shaw’s tenure they stopped receiving annual grants.

The Regional Arts Commission had a $13.4 million budget in 2024, according to tax documents. Cooksey received a $196,253 salary and $28,652 in additional compensation.

Continuing a process begun by Shaw, Cooksey oversaw changes to grant applications that she said were meant to simplify the process – including removing a longstanding split between its funding mechanisms for large and small organizations.

A key arts funder after the coronavirus pandemic

In November 2022, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to direct $10.6 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to RAC. A measure that would have allocated another $1.6 million failed to pass the St. Louis County Council, so RAC was statutorily required to distribute ARPA funds only to groups based in St. Louis.

RAC has distributed $9.5 million of the ARPA money so far, funding 195 individual artists and 75 organizations.

Arts leaders said in 2022 that the sector supports more than 19,000 jobs and generates nearly $600 million a year – more than all local sports franchises combined.

The federal money was a boon to St. Louis artists and arts organizations following a steep decrease in funding at the height of the coronavirus pandemic due to decreased tourism in the region.

Tax revenues earmarked for RAC decreased from $9.5 million in fiscal 2019 to $2.8 million the next year. Tax revenue directed to RAC have increased but still lag behind the pre-pandemic total. The commission reported $7.5 million in tax revenue received in fiscal 2024.

RAC presented a new five-year plan with much fanfare in March 2020 but had little initial opportunity to implement it. Not long after, St. Louis officials put limits on public gatherings to tamp down spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Commission officials released a new five-year strategic roadmap in December 2025.

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Missouri

Missouri Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 winning numbers for March 2, 2026

Published

14 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 2, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from March 2 drawing

02-17-18-38-62, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from March 2 drawing

Midday: 3-3-4

Midday Wild: 2

Evening: 4-8-9

Evening Wild: 7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from March 2 drawing

Midday: 6-4-2-2

Midday Wild: 5

Evening: 2-8-2-4

Evening Wild: 1

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from March 2 drawing

Early Bird: 08

Morning: 12

Matinee: 05

Prime Time: 04

Night Owl: 02

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Show Me Cash numbers from March 2 drawing

13-17-18-23-28

Check Show Me Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from March 2 drawing

21-28-58-65-67, Powerball: 25

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Missouri Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Missouri Lottery’s regional offices, by appointment only.

To claim by mail, complete a Missouri Lottery winner claim form, sign your winning ticket, and include a copy of your government-issued photo ID along with a completed IRS Form W-9. Ensure your name, address, telephone number and signature are on the back of your ticket. Claims should be mailed to:

Ticket Redemption

Missouri Lottery

P.O. Box 7777

Jefferson City, MO 65102-7777

For in-person claims, visit the Missouri Lottery Headquarters in Jefferson City or one of the regional offices in Kansas City, Springfield or St. Louis. Be sure to call ahead to verify hours and check if an appointment is required.

For additional instructions or to download the claim form, visit the Missouri Lottery prize claim page.

When are the Missouri Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Pick 4: 12:45 p.m. (Midday) and 8:59 p.m. (Evening) daily.
Cash4Life: 8 p.m. daily.
Cash Pop: 8 a.m. (Early Bird), 11 a.m. (Late Morning), 3 p.m. (Matinee), 7 p.m. (Prime Time) and 11 p.m. (Night Owl) daily.
Show Me Cash: 8:59 p.m. daily.
Lotto: 8:59 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Missouri editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Missouri

Top 25 Missouri Girls High School Basketball Rankings – March 2, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The Missouri girls basketball postseason has arrived, and everything changes from this point forward. The regular season provided clarity on contenders, exposed weaknesses, and built résumés—but none of that guarantees anything in March.

District championships are being claimed, rotations are tightening, and every possession now carries real consequence. Depth matters more. Experience matters more. Discipline matters more. Some teams enter the bracket playing their best basketball of the year, while others are still searching for consistency at the most critical time.

Momentum, health, and matchups will ultimately decide who survives and who goes home. These rankings reflect not only what has been accomplished, but who looks built to handle the pressure that defines this stretch of the season.

Here’s the updated Missouri Girls Top 25.

Previous Rank: 1

This is the time of year when Incarnate Word’s dynasty takes center stage. The Red Knights haven’t lost a playoff game in nearly a decade, an astonishing run that stands as one of the most impressive feats in Missouri high school girls basketball history.

Previous Rank: 3

Staley moves back into the No. 2 spot after a strong final week of the regular season. The Falcons check every box. They’re one of the most talented and deepest Class 6 teams Missouri has seen in recent years.

Previous Rank: 2

The Chiefs opened the season 25-0 before suffering their first loss to Liberty North. That defeat could serve as valuable motivation heading into the postseason. This group still has the look of a serious contender.

Previous Rank: 4

Principia coasted through its first two playoff games. The Panthers are getting meaningful bench production while allowing starters to rest. That balance could pay dividends in the later rounds.

Previous Rank: 5

Wins over Glendale and West Plains keep an outstanding season rolling. Strafford is the clear favorite in Class 4. This playoff stretch could be their most significant since the 2020 championship run.

Previous Rank: 6

Jackson hasn’t played a close game in nearly a month. The Indians are eager for tougher competition in the Class 6 bracket and have the pieces to make a run to the state tournament.

Previous Rank: 7

A loss to Staley was followed by a strong bounce-back win over Liberty North. That stretch should serve as an ideal playoff tune-up. The Titans have the roster and ceiling to compete with anyone.

Previous Rank: 8

Wins over Troy Buchanan and Helias closed the regular season on a high note. It’s been a year of ups and downs, but the Bruins are defending well and playing their best basketball entering the postseason.

Previous Rank: 9

A win over Carl Junction capped off a successful regular season. Marshfield appears poised to make a deep playoff run.

Previous Rank: 10

A 78-54 win over Kennett showcased this team’s depth from top to bottom. The Donnettes are largely unchallenged in their region and are looking to repeat as state champions.

Previous Rank: 11

Centralia allowed just 61 combined points in its first two playoff games. That level of defense will make them a difficult out. Dixon (22-6) awaits on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 21

A 78-66 win over Kickapoo sparked a significant jump in the rankings. That victory confirmed the ceiling many believed this team had. Freshman Taytum Schnakenburg led the way with 25 points.

Previous Rank: 12

Tipton made its first two playoff games look routine. The Class 2 favorite is set to face Westran (21-8) on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 13

Closing the regular season with a win over Bolivar should provide confidence. In an interesting twist, they’ll face Bolivar again in the opening round of districts.

Previous Rank: 14

This ranking could be misleading. The Cougars have a high ceiling, with many losses coming against elite competition. The challenge is sharing a district with Incarnate Word.

Previous Rank: 16

Wins over Oak Park and North Kansas City were key to closing out the regular season. This playoff run marks the final chapter of Addison Bjorn’s standout prep career.

Previous Rank: 17

Republic’s season has been a steady climb. They’ve maintained consistency and look capable of winning multiple playoff games. The journey begins against Waynesville on Monday night.

Previous Rank: 18

Getting Lauren Ortwerth back makes a major difference. The senior forward scored 30 points in the regular-season finale. Cor Jesu is a co-favorite with Jackson in its district and has a track record of winning in big moments.

Previous Rank: 20

Wins over Oakville and Webster Groves wrapped up a strong regular season. Sophomore guard Bailey Owen scored 27 points in the finale, highlighting the Mustangs’ offensive firepower.

Previous Rank: 15

A 48-44 loss to St. Teresa’s Academy ended an 11-game winning streak. The Cardinals will look to respond and begin a Class 4 playoff push on Wednesday night.

Previous Rank: 19

A dominant 46-20 win over Savannah (21-5) showed this team can overwhelm quality Class 4 opponents. The Fighting Irish have been consistent all season.

Previous Rank: 22

A 64-58 loss to Strafford reflects the story of West Plains’ season. Despite more losses than most ranked teams, each defeat has come against quality competition. They can compete with anyone but must close games to make a deep run.

Previous Rank: 23

A competitive loss to Rock Bridge won’t shift their standing. This group continues to win games and compete at a high level. Fort Zumwalt West awaits in the playoff opener Monday night.

Previous Rank: Not ranked

The Hawks make their first appearance in the rankings late in the season. At 27-1—and undefeated within Missouri—they look capable of challenging for the Class 2 state championship.

Previous Rank: Not ranked

Liberty has battled all season long. A recent win over Oak Park propelled the Blue Jays into the rankings as the two teams swap places on the edge of the Top 25.

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