February 14 began as a day of celebration in Kansas City, but those feelings of jubilation and triumph were stolen by a senseless act of violence as a mass shooting took the life of a fan and sent at least 20 others to the hospital.
Kansas City Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce spoke on the tragedy on Wednesday evening.
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. KC, you mean the world to me.
“I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today,” Kelce voiced on X. “My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me.”
The Chiefs organization also released a statement a few hours prior:
“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City.
“We are in close communication with the Mayor’s office as well as the Kansas City Police Department. At this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and accounted for. We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on-scene to assist.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and several teammates reacted to the tragedy earlier in the afternoon, as did his wife, Brittany Mahomes, who is a part-owner of the KC Current women’s professional soccer team.
‘Angry’ Police Chief Says Parade-Goers ‘Should Expect a Safe Environment’
KCTV5 is reporting live updates on the aftermath of the shooting. Included in the updates was a statement from Chief of Police Karl A. Oakman.
“On behalf of the men and women of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, I would like to send our thoughts and prayers to victims injured in today’s parade shooting and their families. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department is here to assist the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department in any way possible as they deal with this tragedy. This tragedy has touched everyone in the metropolitan area,” the statement said.
“I’m angry at what happened today,” Kansas City, Missouri, Police Chief Stacey Graves said during a press conference. “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
Per ESPN News Services, Graves added that “police were working to determine whether one of the three people who have been detained was the person tackled in the video. Police did not immediately release any details about the people who were detained or about a possible motive for the shootings. Graves said firearms had been recovered, but not what kind of weapons were used.”
During the press conference, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas also acknowledged that the shooting “is absolutely a tragedy, the likes of which we never would have expected in Kansas City, the likes of which we’ll remember for some time.”
Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, KC Teammates Rally Around Children Impacted by Shooting
According to reporting on-scene, Chiefs players stepped up to help calm children and fans who were impacted by the shooting.
NFL insider Albert Breer relayed: “The Chiefs left the parade in busses, and in shock. I’m told players were UNBELIEVABLE calming panicked kids down. Blaine Gabbert, Trey Smith, Austin Reiter, Chris Oladokun all rallied. Smith went to one upset kid, gave him the WWE title belt and sat with him [until] he calmed down.”
Later in the evening, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling reached out to the families of the 11 reported children that are currently receiving care at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.
“Any chance anyone can help me get in touch with these kids or families?” Valdes-Scantling asked on X. “First off I want to make sure they’re doing ok. But would love to help them out any way I can and get them some stuff from the team to help with the recovery.”
