Kansas City Chiefs ‘truly saddened’ by ‘senseless’ shooting at Super Bowl parade that left one person dead and 21 others injured: ‘Our hearts go out to the victims’
The Kansas City Chiefs have released a statement following the fatal shooting that saw Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade descend into tragedy.
One person was killed, with another 21 shot – including nine children – after two gunmen opened fire shortly after 3:30pm.
‘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,’ a Chiefs statement read.
‘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.’
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The team also confirmed all players, staff, coaches and their families ‘are safe and accounted for.’
The Chiefs have released a statement following the fatal shooting at their Super Bowl parade
People flee after shots were fired near the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory parade
Several people were seen being wheeled away in a stretcher following the attack
‘We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on-scene to assist.’
The horror shooting unfolded just moments after the team including Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes left the stage.
Terrifying footage captured the frantic aftermath of the shooting as panicked fans ran for their lives.
Groups of fans were seen heroically tackling an armed man to the ground and police said two gunmen were detained, although their identities remain unclear.
According to NFL insider Albert Breer, offensive linemen Trey Smith and Austin Reiter and backup quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Chris Oladukun all helped to try and calm down panicked children.
The shooting led to a rapid evacuation of the area, which just moments before was packed with parade-goers
Chiefs fans tackle person after shooting at Super Bowl parade
In particular, Smith ‘went to one upset kid, gave him the WWE title belt and sat with him until he calmed down.’
Head coach Andy Reid, meanwhile, was seen hugging a worried high school student amidst the chaos.
Police evacuated the train station as huge crowds fled in panic after the shots rang out, with up to one million people expected to have descended on Kansas City for the parade.
Frantic scenes outside the station also included a man appearing to try and sprint from the crowd, before several men tackled him and pinned him to the ground.
Missouri is an open carry state, and it is possible that numerous fans in the crowd were also carrying firearms.
