KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs said all their players, coaches and staffers and their families âare safe and accounted forâ after a deadly shooting occurred Wednesday at the end of the Super Bowl championship parade.
âWe are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,â the Chiefs said in a statement. âOur hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City.â
Police said one person was killed and more than 20 were injured in the shooting that occurred at the end of the parade to celebrate the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory.
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said he was with coach Andy Reid and other coaches and staff members at the time of the shooting. Burkholder said the team was on buses returning to Arrowhead Stadium.
âAt this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and accounted for,” the Chiefs said in their statement. “We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on scene to assist.â
The NFL issued its own statement saying it was âdeeply saddenedâ and adding that its âthoughts are with the victims and everyone affected.â
Chiefs quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, âPraying for Kansas City.â He included three emojis of hands in prayer.
Offensive tackle Donovan Smith, defensive tackle Mike Pennel and safety Justin Reid were among the Chiefs players offering similar statements of support on social media.
âMy thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by todayâs incidents â a huge thank you to the first responders who ran towards the sound of danger,â offensive guard Trey Smith posted on X. âYouâre the ones who should be celebrated today.â
Defensive end Charles Omenihu called for a change in gun laws.
âPrayers for those affected at todayâs parade,â Omenihu said in an X post. âA time of celebration ends in tragedy. When are we going to fix these gun laws? How many more people have to die to say enough is enough? Itâs too easy for the wrong people to obtain guns in America and thatâs a FACT.â
The parade was a celebration of the Chiefsâ 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers that gave them their second straight Super Bowl title.
âPlease join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act,â Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill said in an X post. âPray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.â
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