Patrick Mahomes was among those searching for answers after a shooting disrupted the Chiefs’ Super Bowl 2024 parade in Kansas City on Wednesday.
Thousands of revelers took to the streets to celebrate the Chiefs’ second straight title, with shots ringing out near Union Station, with one person reportedly killed and others injured in the fracas.
“Praying for Kansas City…” Mahomes, the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback wrote on X, along with three praying hands emoji.
Police announced they had taken two armed people into custody for investigation.
The QB was among those to speak to crowd just minutes before the shooting at the celebration of the 25-22 comeback win over the 49ers.
“Shooting people is never the answer,” Mahomes’ wife Brittany shared on her Instagram Story. “Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is so rough.”
Other players also shared their thoughts on social media.
“Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act,” linebacker Drue Tranquill wrote. “Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.”
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the Chiefs players who left the parade in buses were in shock from the event and Blaine Gabbert, Tre Smith, Austin Reiter, Chris Oladukun were “unbelievable” in calming panicked kids down.
He added that Smith went to one upset kid, gave him the team’s WWE championship and sat with him until he was calm
Chiefs VP of Sports Medicine Rick Burkholder shared that he, his wife and head coach Andy Reid and his family were safe and on a bus to Arrowhead Stadium.
The team told Mayor Quinton Lucas that all players and personnel are accounted for and OK.
“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by today’s incidents,” guard Trey Smith wrote on X.
“A huge thank you to the first responders who ran towards the sound of danger. You’re the ones who should be celebrated today.”