Three-time Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl-winning tight end Travis Kelce has posted a heartfelt message in the wake of the tragic scenes that marred the NFL powerhouse’s celebration parade.
Several people including eight children were struck by gunfire in Kansas City, Missouri on Thursday in the vicinity of the landmark Union Station, where the Super Bowl victory parade was taking place after the Chiefs’ historic win on Monday (AEDT).
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Shots fired at Super Bowl parade for Kansas City Chiefs.
Stream NFL live and free on 7plus >>
At least one person died. Two armed people were taken into custody, police said on Wednesday.
Taking to social media shortly after the abhorrent tragedy, Kelce said his thoughts were with the families affected.
“I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today,” he wrote on X.
“My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me.”
Citing authorities, local television station KSHB 41 reported at least 10 victims in the incident, including several children, but it was not immediately clear whether all of those sustained gunshot wounds or other injuries.
Five injured people were taken from Union Station to University Health hospital in Kansas City, according to spokesman Keith King. He said there was no information on the nature or extent of the injuries.
Children’s Mercy Kansas City was also receiving patients from the incident but could not provide a number, hospital spokesperson Lisa Augustine said.
Local radio station KKFI 90.1 FM identified the person killed in the shooting as Lisa Lopez, an employee of the station.
“It is with sincere sadness and an extremely heavy and broken heart that we let our community know that KKFI DJ Lisa Lopez, host of Taste of Tejano, lost her life today in the shooting at the KC Chiefs’ rally,” the station said in a post on Facebook.
“Our hearts and prayers are with her family. We encourage anyone who feels they saw something to reach out to law enforcement.
“This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community.”
“Shots were fired west of Union Station near the garage and multiple people were struck,” Kansas City police said on X.
“We took two armed people into custody for more investigation.”
Eyewitness video posted on social media platforms showed pandemonium outside the train station with dozens of uniformed police officers, weapons drawn, running into the building as scores of bystanders fled in the opposite direction.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson and his wife were in attendance when shots were fired near the train station, but were safe and secure following the incident, he said in a message posted to X, thanking law enforcement for its response. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly was also present at the rally when the shots were fired.
– With Sarah Keszler and Reuters