THE Kansas City Chiefs are sending their prayers to victims of a shooting that occurred after the team's Super Bowl victory parade.
At least one person has died after 22 victims, including children, were shot near the parade route on Wednesday, according to police.
Several of the Chiefs' star players left heartfelt messages for the victims after learning about the shooting on Wednesday.
"I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today," superstar tight end Travis Kelce wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me."
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He was joined by beloved quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who said he was "praying" for the city.
"Praying for Kansas City…" Mahomes wrote.
What we know:
- One person was killed in the shooting - a local DJ named Lisa Lopez-Galvan
- She died in surgery after she was struck in the abdomen
- At least 21 others were hurt, 11 of whom were children
- Nine of those children have gunshot wounds, a spokesperson at a local hospital said
- Three people are in custody, but police have yet to name any suspects
- A video circulating on social media showed a crowd of bystanders tackling a man in dark clothing to the ground
- Police acknowledged the video and said they were working to determine whether he is a suspect
- Officials are investigating whether there was a motive
- Police don't believe this was an act of terrorism
"Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act," linebacker Drue Tranquill added.
"Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing."
"Praying for everyone today in Kansas City," offensive tackle Donovan Smith said.
"Praying for everyone in Kansas City at the parade," safety Justin Reid wrote.
"Prayers Kansas City," said wideout Mecole Hardman Jr.
The Chiefs gathered with about a million people to celebrate their fourth Super Bowl win.
Best friends Kelce and Mahomes were seen giving excited speeches as drinks flowed while waves of supporters dressed in bright red cheered them on.
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As the team approached Union Station - the city's cultural center and Amtrak hub - gunfire rang out, causing thousands of terrified paradegoers to flee for their lives.
Witnesses described losing track of their loved ones as they dove over concrete barriers to dodge the flying bullets.
Nearly 800 uniformed officers bravely rushed the scene to search for shooters, arresting three people yesterday evening.
One person died, and 11 children were injured, nine of whom had gunshot wounds, a spokesperson for local hospital Children's Mercy told The U.S. Sun.
A video captured the moment that a crowd of brave bystanders tackled someone they believed to be a suspect.
Police said in a press conference that they are aware of the video and are looking into whether the person tackled is one of the three people they detained.
Detectives haven't named any suspects yet, and are still investigating whether there was a motive for the sick violence, but they don't believe it was an act of terrorism.
BRAVE PLAYERS
The NFL released a statement, saying, "We are deeply saddened by the senseless shooting that occurred today near the end of the rally in Kansas City for the Chiefs.
"Our thoughts are with the victims and everyone affected.
"We are grateful for the quick and thorough response of law enforcement and emergency personnel."
Chiefs players reportedly stuck around to support fans during the chaos and comforted young attendees.
According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, Blaine Gabbert, Tre Smith, Austin Reiter, and Chris Oladukun all rallied to help their fans calm down after the hectic situation.
Smith was seen going up to a young fan and giving him the WWE belt that he wore before sitting down with him until he calmed down.
Another young fan recounted running away from the gunfire before running into the Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid.
The fan said he was scared his friends could be dead and Reid hugged him in an attempt to comfort him.
VICTIM NAMED
The woman who was killed has been identified as Chiefs fan Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a mom-of-two and local DJ.
She died during surgery after being shot in the abdomen, according to reports.
Lopez-Galvan was the co-host of a show called A Taste of Tejano which aired weekly on local radio station KKFI.
The show celebrates Tejano or "Tex-Mex" music which originates from Texans who are of Mexican descent.
The station released a heartwrenching statement confirming the mom's death.
"It is with sincere sadness and an extremely heavy and broken heart that we let our community know that KKFI DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan... lost her life today in the shooting," the statement reads.
"Our hearts and prayers are with her family.
"This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community."
In a statement, the Chiefs said they were "truly saddened" by the senseless act of violence during their rally.
"Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City," the statement read.
"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."
