The shots rang out right after Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce spoke to fans in attendance.
Every NFL team dreams of a Super Bowl victory parade in their hometown. But what was supposed to be a celebratory occasion for the Kansas City Chiefs has turned into a terrifying incident.
On Feb. 14, an estimated one million fans were gathered for the Chiefs' victory parade outside Union Station in downtown Kansas City when gunshots suddenly rang out and sent spectators scrambling. It happened moments after Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce spoke to the crowd and drummed up hype for a potential third straight Super Bowl title next year.
"Shots have been fired around Union Station. Please leave the area," the Kansas City Police Department urged attendees on social media. In a follow-up post, the police confirmed that multiple people were shot and that they apprehended two armed people and brought them into custody "for more investigation."
Shots have been fired around Union Station. Please leave the area.
— kcpolice (@kcpolice) February 14, 2024
Shots were fired west of Union Station near the garage and multiple people were struck. We took two armed people into custody for more investigation.
— kcpolice (@kcpolice) February 14, 2024
The Kansas City Fire Department confirmed that one person has died and nine are injured as a result of the shooting, according to ABC News. Three of the victims are in critical condition, five are in serious condition, and one has non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred six years to the day since 17 people were killed in a mass shooting at a Florida high school.
Capt. Jake Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department, explained to The Kansas City Star what was happening in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. "At the conclusion of the rally there were shots fired west of Union Station near the garage and several people were struck," he said. "We need people to exit the area as quickly and safely as possible and avoid the parking garage in order to facilitate treatment of shooting victims."
Video from the scene show chaos outside the station. Local police, other armed authorities, and fans seeking safety began rushing into the building as the streets cleared out.
Chaos has broken out at the end of the Chiefs Super Bowl parade. Police and military personnel just took off inside of Union Station pic.twitter.com/mqNeodS9r5
— Jacob Meikel (@NPNOWMeikel) February 14, 2024
Speaking to WTAE, Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson reassured fans that the players who were in Union Station and their families are all safe. Mahomes himself took to social media to add his voice to the chorus of calls for prayer, as did linebacker Drue Tranquill.
Spoke with family for Chiefs receiver and South Fayette grad Justin Watson. He tells his family the players and the players' families who were inside Union Station are safe #ChiefsParade
— Andrew Stockey (@astockeyWTAE) February 14, 2024
Praying for Kansas City… ????????????????????????
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024
Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act.
— Drue Tranquill (@DTranquill) February 14, 2024
Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.
