Travis Kelce expressed his thoughts and support following a shooting at the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2024 Super Bowl championship parade on Wednesday. “I am devastated by the tragedy that occurred today. My heart goes out to everyone who came to celebrate with us and has been touched. “KC, you mean the world to me,” the 34-year-old tight end posted on X (previously known as Twitter).
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
During a second news conference on Wednesday, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves reported one fatality and 22 injuries from the shooting at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. Authorities were still determining the actual number of casualties and identifying the deceased victim at the time.
“Three persons were detained and under investigation for today’s incident,” Graves told reporters. “Right now we do not have a motive.” “I’m angry at what happened today,” Graves added. “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
The Chiefs released a statement shortly after the mass shooting. “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,” their statement began.
The NFL club said that “all of our players, coaches, staff, and their families are safe and accounted for,” adding that they were in close communication with law enforcement officials. They also praised first responders. “Praying for Kansas City… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽,” Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes tweeted.
His wife, Brittany Mahomes, also addressed the tragedy on her Instagram Story: “Shooting is never the answer. Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is rough.” “Highly embarrassed and disappointed in this, Super Bowl wins will never be the same because of this, it’s devastating,” she added in a follow-up Instagram Story post. “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.”
“Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act,” Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill wrote on X. “Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.”
The shooting at the parade also coincided with the sixth anniversary of the Parkland school shooting in Florida on Feb. 14, 2018, which claimed the lives of 17. “Just got home from the cemetery where I spent Valentine’s Day with my daughter who was shot and killed 6 years ago,” Fred Guttenberg, parent of Parkland victim Jaime Guttenberg, wrote on X. “Coming home to this news is crushing. WE DO NOT NEED TO ACCEPT THIS AS THE PRICE FOR LIVING IN AMERICA.”