Following the tragic shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has expressed his condolences. At the same time, fans and officials called for action on gun safety laws.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed that there was one fatality and 22 injuries, with three suspects presently in police custody.
Travis Kelce Says He Is ‘Heartbroken’ Over Tragic Shooting At Super Bowl Parade
Kelce took to X to express his condolences and solidarity with the victims of the mass shooting incident at his team’s Super Bowl victory parade.
“I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today,” the NFL star wrote. “My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me.”
In the comments, a fan thanked Kelce, writing: “Thank you, Travis. No one in a million years thought something like this would occur. You guys were bringing joy to the fans and the children……..they love you guys……as we all do. Prayers of healing for the injured and comfort for the family of the deceased.”
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.
— Travis Kelce (@tkelce) February 15, 2024
“It’s sad. What is wrong with the World today!? Sending lots of love and prayers to KC,” another added.
However, others urged the 34-year-old tight end to use his influential platform to advocate for gun safety laws, urging: “Travis, please use your massive platform and voice to call for gun safety laws to be put into place so we can avoid future tragedies.”
1 Dead & 22 Injured At Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade Shooting
Chaos has broken out at the end of the Chiefs Super Bowl parade. Police and military personnel just took off inside of Union Station pic.twitter.com/mqNeodS9r5
— Jacob Meikel (@NPNOWMeikel) February 14, 2024
At a press briefing, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves provided updates on the tragic events at Union Station in Kansas City. She confirmed one fatality and 22 injuries and emphasized ongoing efforts to determine the full extent of the casualties and identify the deceased.
“Three persons were detained and under investigation for today’s incident,” Graves stated. “Right now, we do not have a motive.”
Expressing frustration, the police chief added; “I’m angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
The shooting during the parade tragically coincided with the anniversary of the Parkland school shooting, which occurred six years ago on February 14, 2018, claiming the lives of 17 individuals.
Fred Guttenberg, a parent who lost his daughter Jaime in the Parkland tragedy, expressed profound grief upon returning from visiting her grave on Valentine’s Day.
“Just got home from the cemetery where I spent Valentine’s Day with my daughter who was shot and killed 6 years ago,” Guttenberg shared on X. “Coming home to this news is crushing. WE DO NOT NEED TO ACCEPT THIS AS THE PRICE FOR LIVING IN AMERICA.
Kansas City Chiefs ‘Saddened By Senseless Acts Of Violence’
Breaking Video of Heroic Kansas City fans tackling one of the shooters pic.twitter.com/cAxL9Kox8d
— Fantasy Fanatics (@FFB_Fanatics) February 14, 2024
In response to the tragic shooting outside Union Station following the parade and rally, the Kansas City Chiefs issued a heartfelt statement noting how saddened they were by the “senseless” violence.
The statement read: “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.”
The team revealed that all their “players, coaches, staff, and their families are safe and accounted for” and showed gratitude to law enforcement and first responders.
More Kansas City Chiefs Players Speak Out
Praying for Kansas City… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared prayers for Kansas City on social media, echoed by his wife Brittany, who condemned the violence as unacceptable on her Instagram story.
“Shooting is never the answer. Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is rough,” Brittany wrote.
In another post, she added: “Highly embarrassed and disappointed in this, Super Bowl wins will never be the same because of this, it’s devastating. Lives lost and people injured during something that was [supposed] to be a celebration. Horrible and traumatizing. So many prayers going to the families involved.”
Linebacker Drue Tranquill also urged for collective prayers, writing: “Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act. Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.”
