'Heartbroken': Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs players react to shooting
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is "praying for Kansas City" after the team’s Super Bowl parade celebration on Wednesday turned into tragedy as multiple people were shot and at least one person was killed.
Kansas City Police Department Chief Stacey Graves confirmed that up to 22 people were wounded in the shooting and that three suspects are in custody. All Chiefs players, coaches and staff are accounted for, Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas confirmed.
"This is absolutely a tragedy that we would have never expected in Kansas City," Lucas added.
Mahomes, who won MVP in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday, sent out a tweet alongside several prayer hand emojis. He is one of many NFL players sending their condolences on social media following the mass shooting.
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Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Patrick Mahomes who was present at the Super Bowl parade, described the shooting as "horrible and traumatizing" in a lengthy statement posted on her Instagram Story.
"Shooting people is never the answer. Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is rough," she wrote. "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."
Here's how players and teams across the league are reacting to the parade shooting:
Kansas City Chiefs
"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 TE Travis Kelce
"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."
Chiefs OL Austin Reiter
"We are still struggling to make sense of the tragedy that happened today. Our hearts are with the victims and all those traumatized by this experience. Thank you to the police, first responders, and all those who worked together to get people out of harms way."
Reiter was one of the Chiefs players who helped console kids at Wednesday’s mass shooting.
Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill
"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."
Chiefs S Justin Reid
"Praying for everyone in Kansas City at the parade."
Chiefs RG Trey Smith
"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by today's incidents – a huge thank you to the first responders who ran towards the sound of danger. You're the ones who should be celebrated today."
Chiefs DE Charles Omenihu
"Prayers for those affected at today’s parade. A 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 ? It’s too easy for the wrong people to obtain guns in America and that’s a FACT."
Chiefs' WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Valdes-Scantling offered support to children that were injured in the shooting. Lisa Augustine, spokesperson for Children’s Mercy Kansas City, said the hospital was treating 12 patients from the rally, including 11 children, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds.
"Any chance anyone can help me get in touch with these kids or families? 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."
Chiefs CB Trent McDuffie
"Get the hate out y’all hearts!! Praying for the Kingdom."
Chiefs OL Donovan Smith
"Praying for everyone today in Kansas City."
Saints S Tyrann Mathieu
Mathieu played on the Chiefs from 2019-2021 and was part of Super Bowl-winning team in 2020.
"Praying for all those involved in KC at this moment! It is senseless and disgusting! Sending the most of Love to all the kids that were impacted today."
Jets CB Sauce Gardner
"Prayers up for Kansas City and the rest of the world because so many things can be avoided everyday."
Browns S Juan Thornhill
"Prayers for everyone in Kansas City. why turn something so positive into this."
NFL
"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. We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of law enforcement and emergency personnel."
The league added that all NFL Network and NFL Films personnel working on site at the Chiefs' Super Bowl 58 celebration are safe.
Baltimore Ravens
"Our hearts are with Chiefs Kingdom following the tragic events and shocking violence that occurred during today's parade in Kansas City. On a day meant for uniting people in joy and celebrating love, we send our full support to every citizen of the region and each member of the Chiefs organization who has been affected by this senseless tragedy."
Las Vegas Raiders
"The Las Vegas Raiders' thoughts are with the Kansas City Chiefs and their fans following the senseless violence at today's parade. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy."
New England Patriots
"On a day that is meant to bring a city and a community together in triumph and celebration, we are deeply saddened and our hearts break for the victims, their families and the entirety of Chiefs Kingdom following the horrific tragedy and senseless violence that occurred at today’s victory parade. We will continue to hold the Chiefs, Kansas City and the entire region in our hearts during this time."
Contributing: USA TODAY's Minnah Arshad and Krystal Nurse
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