Following a shooting during their Super Bowl victory parade that resulted in at least one fatality and over 20 injuries on February 14, the Kansas City Chiefs have spoken up. Police have reported three individuals in custody.
In a statement released hours after the incident, the Kansas City Chiefs expressed their profound sadness over the tragic violence outside Union Station at the parade's end. The team reassured the public that all players, coaches, staff, and their families are unharmed.
Expressing condolences, the statement extended sympathy to the victims, their families, and the entire Kansas City community. The team emphasized their ongoing collaboration with the mayor's office and local law enforcement.
Gunshots rang out outside Union Station in Kansas City during the Chiefs' victory parade following their Super Bowl win against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. According to three law enforcement officials who spoke to NBC News, authorities believe the shooting was a criminal act and not an act of terrorism.
As of Wednesday afternoon, police have not disclosed the identity of the deceased victim or the three suspects in custody. A representative from Children's Mercy hospital in Kansas City informed NBC News that the hospital is currently treating 12 patients from the rally, with 11 of them being children. Among these patients, nine have sustained gunshot wounds, although it remains unclear if all nine victims of gunshot wounds are children.
Super Bowl MVP and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also addressed the shooting, sharing on Twitter that he is "praying" for the city. He concluded his tweet with three praying hands emojis.
Praying for Kansas City… 🙏🙏🙏
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024
Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, also expressed her thoughts on social media. In an Instagram story post, she condemned the violence, stating, "Shooting people is never the answer. Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is rough."
Continuing, she expressed her deep disappointment and embarrassment regarding the incident, emphasizing that such events tarnish the significance of Super Bowl victories. She described the situation as devastating, with lives lost and people injured during what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion. She ended her post by sending prayers to the victims and their families.
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2024
The NFL also released a statement expressing their sorrow over the tragic shooting that occurred near the conclusion of the Chiefs' rally in Kansas City. The statement conveyed, "We are deeply saddened by the senseless shooting that occurred today near the end of the rally in Kansas City for the Chiefs. Our thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected."