Kansas City Irish Fest Chef Shaun Brady Killed Amid Car Robbery

There's really only one story to talk about today amid rising Kansas City violence in Brookside & Waldo which has culminated in the deadly shooting of a beloved local chef who was trying to intervene during a car robbery.

Shaun Brady has hundreds of people who loved him and will cherish his memory far better than what readers will witness on this blog. Instead, it's our job to try and provide more context along with an opportunity for readers to speak out.

What news watchers will consider . . . 

From many anti-social and racially divisive pundits . . . There will be outcry that homicides in the Black community aren't mourned with the same level of outrage. THAT ARGUMENT IS COMPLETELY FALSE. This situation is somewhat similar to a food truck operator killed on Prospect earlier in August. That story garnered headlines across the metro and even sparked outrage amongst the readers on this blog . . . It's always exceptionally tragic when someone is killed while merely trying to do their job. 

Again . . . This horrific killing is tragic and shocking but the brutal slaying was preceded by outcry, warnings and public meetings from residents of Brookside & Waldo which pleaded with police & politicos in the midst of worsening car break-ins, robberies and assorted property crime. 

Finally . . . 

Those who would response to local outrage regarding worsening crime by citing this year's statistical drop in KCMO crime stats not only ignore the horrific toll of record-breaking homicides over the past five years but also offer a false sense of accomplishment. 

Kansas City doesn't feel safer in 2024. This tragic killing is just one story out of many which proves that local violence is out of control when people can't even do their jobs without fearing deadly gunfire.

Epilogue . . .

Just like those who might use this story to create racial divisions . . . During campaign season 2024 there will also be those who want to co-opt this tragedy for their political benefit . . .That kind of cynical argument only worsens the quotient of human misery in the world and never really convinces thoughtful people.

While we always welcome comments and analysis from our blog community . . . Neither marching orders nor attempts to persuade seem appropriate during this time of mourning.  And so we merely share more info and resources in the aftermath of KC's latest local homicide . . . Unofficially, #104 so far this year . . .

The victim is Shaun Brady, of Brady & Fox near E. 63rd and Rockhill. He was also a father.

Kansas City police confirmed his identity early on Thursday morning, he was 44 years old.

Witnesses said Brady had been trying to stop someone breaking into a car.

More info . . . 

Shaun, who is survived by his wife, Kate, was well-loved across the community and was known as an important figure in the Irish community of Kansas and participated in Kansas City’s Irish Fest.

A spokesperson for the restaurant said in a post on social media: "Our hearts are broken. There are no words to express our sadness, anger and frustration. Our community is with Shaun's family - forever. We appreciate the outpouring of support, offers to help, and your love.

"Together we are united. Together we will grieve. Together we will heal. We ask that you show compassion and aid in our healing by respecting the privacy of Shaun's family. Thank you. Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Fox4: Prominent Irish Fest chef killed in Kansas City shooting

Irish Mirror: Irish chef shot dead outside of own Kansas City restaurant

KSHB: 'Absolutely broken': Irish community mourns loss of slain chef Shaun Brady

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