Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Wednesday posted a message on social media following a shooting at the end of his team's Super Bowl victory parade.
"Praying for Kansas City," Mahomes wrote on X (formerly Twitter). His message included emojis of praying hands.
At 2 p.m. local time, shots were fired west of Kansas City's Union Station near a parking garage close to the event's main stage. Three people were later taken into custody for further investigation. During a press conference, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed one person was killed and up to 21 others were injured during the incident.
Police said at least eight children were among those harmed. Graves said there were no injuries "of note" sustained by law enforcement officers.
The parade celebrated the Chiefs' third Super Bowl victory in five seasons. They defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime on Sunday in what was the most-watched television broadcast in decades.
Mahomes was named the Super Bowl MVP for his efforts, marking the third time he has received the award.
Praying for Kansas City... 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024
Mahomes' teammates Drue Tranquill and Justin Reid joined him in posting about Wednesday's shooting.
"Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act," Tranquill, a linebacker, posted on X. "Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing."
"Praying for everyone in Kansas City at the parade," defensive back Justin Reid wrote on X.
The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement about the 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," the statement said.
The message continued: "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."
"We went out today, like everyone in Kansas City, looking to have a celebration," Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said during Wednesday's press conference. "That celebration was marred by a shooting today, and we recognize that there are some who are injured. We are praying for the safety of everyone."
Lucas said he has been in contact with White House officials, who he said offered federal assistance in the ongoing investigation.
"Many of you have footage of the many officers securing Union Station," the Kansas City Police Department said in an email to Newsweek. "They are working to provide for the safety of everyone inside Union Station and expedite care of those injured."
The department said further updates will be provided when it has additional information.
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