Kansas City Chiefs players reacted to a mass shooting that killed one person and injured nearly a dozen others at their Super Bowl victory celebration on Wednesday.
At about 2 p.m., Kansas City police reported a shooting at Union Station not long after players were done giving speeches to celebrate their back-to-back championship.
Things quickly turned grim as the rally was winding down when there were reports of shots fired and several people transported to hospitals around Kansas City. Police said 22 victims were shot, including nine children.
Radio station KKFI later confirmed in a Facebook post Wednesday evening that DJ Lisa Lopez, host of “Taste of Tejano,” was killed in the shooting.
The Chiefs organization released a statement, saying its “truly saddened by the senseless act of violence” that occurred Wednesday.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City,” the statement reads. “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.”
Players also took to social media to share heartfelt messages following the shooting. Linebacker Drue Tranquil was the first to post on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying: “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.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Offensive tackle Donovan Smith, defensive back Jaylen Watson, and guard Trey Smith were among other Chiefs players who also tweeted that they were praying for the victims and city.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by today’s incidents,” Smith wrote. “A huge thank you to the first responders who ran towards the sound of danger. You’re the ones who should be celebrated today.”
Wide receiver Marquez Valdez-Scantling said he wants to help the victims and asked for assistance reaching out to them.
“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,” he tweeted. “But would love to help them out any way I can and get them some stuff from the team to help with the recovery.”
After offering his condolences, defensive end Charles Omenih called for gun control and questioned: “When are we going to fix these gun laws? How many more people have to die to say enough is enough?”
The shooting is the latest sports celebration in the U.S. to be marred by gun violence, following a shooting that injured several people last year in downtown Denver after the Nuggets’ NBA championship, and gunfire last year at a parking lot near the Texas Rangers’ World Series championship parade.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
