Kansas City Chiefs saddened by ‘senseless act of violence’ after Super Bowl rally

The Chiefs say they are “truly saddened by the senseless act of violence” that occurred at Union Station on Wednesday just moments after their Super Bowl victory parade and celebration through downtown Kansas City.

At press time, one person was dead and at least 18 injured after gunfire broke out at the end of the team’s victory rally, according to police and the mayor.

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed the fatality Wednesday afternoon and said 10 to 15 people had been shot.

The team issued a statement confirming that all of its players, coaches, staff — and their families — were “safe and accounted for.”

The statement:

“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.

“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.”

Shooting after Super Bowl rally

Get the latest on the fatal mass shooting near Union Station that has rocked Kansas City.

→ Johnson County mother of two among the dead

→ 'A lot of confusion': Witnesses recount shooting

→Chiefs helped calm fans after shots fired after rally

Some Chiefs players took to social media to indicate they were safe and to express their feelings. Linebacker Drue Tranquil was among the first to post a message on X, formerly Twitter.

“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.”

Defensive end Charles Omenihu also posted on X, calling for tighter gun laws:

“It’s too easy for the wrong people to obtain guns in American. And that’s a FACT,” Omenihu wrote.

The Kansas City Sports Commission, which planned and led the organization of the parade, called it “a horrific and needless act of violence.”

Messages poured in from Kansas City’s other professional and area college teams and Chiefs’ rivals. The Royals, about to begin spring training, said “our hearts ache...we stand with our city...Kansas City, we love you.”

The Kansas City Current of the NWSL a month away from opening its new stadium, said the city “should be able to celebrate these moments in our city without the fear of this senseless violence.”

University of Kansas Athletics is “heartbroken over the horrific events...” And Kansas State’s “Wildcat Nation,” signed its note, “KC Strong.”

The Baltimore Ravens, the team the Chiefs defeated for the AFC championship last month, said their organization sends “full support to every citizen of the region and each member of the Chiefs organization...”

The AFC West-rival Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers also issued statements of support.

The Broncos tweeted: “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Chiefs Kingdom following today’s senseless act of violence.”

The Raiders tweeted: “The Las Vegas Raiders’ thoughts are with the Kansas City Chiefs and their fans following the senseless violence at today’s parade. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.”

The Chiefs won the Super Bowl in Las Vegas and used the Raiders’ training facilities and locker room for the recent Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium.

From the Chargers: “Rivals on the field, off the field we’re in this together...Today a senseless act of violence has forever altered the live of so many. And for what? We stand with Chiefs Kingdom.”

Later Wednesday evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers held a moment of silence for the shooting victims before their NBA game against the Chicago Bulls.