Chiefs parade shooting: Players, officials react to ‘heinous act’

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Members of the Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri officials reacted with shock and sadness on Wednesday after one person was killed and multiple people were hurt after shots were fired at the end of a parade celebrating the team’s victory in Super Bowl LVIII.

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Shots were fired near Union Station at the end of the parade and remarks by players and coaches, WDAF-TV reported.

During a news conference late Wednesday afternoon, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said that all players, coaches and staff members of the Chiefs were “safe and accounted for.”

In a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Chiefs said they were “truly saddened by the senseless act of violence.”

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City,” the team wrote.

Players quickly went on social media to express their dismay. Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill was the first player to post on X, WDAF-TV reported.

“Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act,” Tranquill tweeted. “Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.”

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Super Bowl MVP for the third time, retweeted Tranquill’s post and added one of his own.

“Praying for Kansas City ...” Mahomes tweeted.

Mahomes’ wife, Brittany, also reached on her Instagram story, Entertainment Tonight reported.

“Shooting people is never the answer,” she wrote. “Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is rough.”

Rick Burkholder, the Chiefs’ vice president of sports medicine, was with Chiefs coach Andy Reid during and after the parade. He tweeted that Reid and his family were “safe and on a bus headed to Arrowhead” Stadium.

“Thank you to @kcpolice and others,” Burkholder posted.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce tweeted that he was “heartbroken” over the shooting.

“I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today. My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected,” Kelce wrote. “KC, you mean the world to me.”

Chiefs safety Justin Reid tweeted that he was “praying for everyone in Kansas City at the parade.”

“Such a shame,” Chiefs defensive back Bryan Cook tweeted. “Praying for those in Kansas City.”

The NFL said in a statement that the league was “deeply saddened” by the shooting

“Our thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected,” the league said on X. “We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of law enforcement and emergency personnel.”

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said he and his wife attended the parade and were safe, WDAF reported.

“State law enforcement personnel are assisting local authorities in response efforts. As we wait to learn more, our hearts go out to the victims,” Parson wrote on X. “Governor & First Lady Parson want to thank the Missouri Highway Patrol, KCPD, and their security officers for their quick and professional actions.”

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, who also was in attendance at the rally, tweeted that she was “out of harm’s way.”

“I encourage everyone to follow instructions and updates from KC police,” Kelly wrote. “Please stay safe.”

“I’m praying for the victims of this horrific act of violence, and it’s my hope that the individuals responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and brought to justice,” Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kan, tweeted. “There is absolutely no place in our society for this kind of evil hatred.”

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., tweeted that he was “devastated”: by Wednesday’s shooting.

“Today, I joined thousands of Chiefs fans who came together to celebrate a great season and honor the Super Bowl victory which has brought so much joy to our state,” Marshall wrote. “I am devastated and angered by the senseless act of violence that turned a day of celebration for our community into a complete tragedy.”

“We gotta do better KC,” Chiefs wide receiver Richie James tweeted.

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