Tragedy consumed Kansas City Wednesday afternoon during what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion, as gunfire erupted during the Super Bowl parade.
22 people were reportedly injured and one, beloved radio DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan of Johnson County, is confirmed to have died.
The senseless violence has the city shaken, and numerous Chiefs players have taken to social media to share their support for the people of Kansas City.
Praying for Kansas City… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024
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
This 🤬 is SAD man! Kids are being shot and somebody didn’t come home tonight. We cannot allow this to be normal. We cannot ourselves to become numb and chalk it up to “just another shooting in America” and reduce people in statistics and then move on tmrw.
— Justin Reid (@JustinqReid) February 15, 2024
This is a SERIOUS…
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.
— Charles Omenihu (@charless_94) February 14, 2024
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.
— Trey Smith (@treysmith) February 14, 2024
Stories are being shared of players like Trey Smith and even Andy Reid comforting scared children during the chaotic scene.
The team released an official statement on the incident as well:
Statement from the Kansas City Chiefs pic.twitter.com/erKsrF3SX8
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 14, 2024
The team confirmed in the statement that all players, coaches, staff and respective families were not harmed. That being said, nine children were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, though Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City announced they expect all nine to make a full recovery.
Senseless gun violence impacts families and cities all across the country, and now tragedy consumes what should have been a jubilant celebration.
Kansas City police confirmed that three suspects were detained with an unspecified number of weapons recovered.
Police are still conducting interviews with witnesses and the FBI set up a website for tips. Police Chief Stacey Graves spoke Wednesday and said they do not currently have a motive, but anyone with information is encouraged to contact police.