Getty Image
According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, members of the Kansas City Chiefs were “unbelievable” in calming down panicked kids during the shooting on Wednesday afternoon.
On Wednesday, February 14, towards the end of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade, gunfire erupted around 2 p.m. local time at the city’s Union Station, killing one person and injuring at least another 20, many of whom were children.
Breer says that while the chaos was unfolding, Chiefs players such as Blaine Gabbert, Tre Smith, Austin Reiter, and Chris Oladukun “rallied” to help calm down panicked kids.
Smith, according to Breer, gave him his WWE title belt and sat with the young boy until he calmed down.
The Chiefs left the parade in busses, and in shock. I'm told players were UNBELIEVABLE calming panicked kids down. Blaine Gabbert, Tre Smith, Austin Reiter, Chris Oladukun all rallied.
Smith went to one upset kid, gave him the WWE title belt and sat with him til he calmed down.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 14, 2024
According to the Kansas City Chiefs organization, all of their players, coaches, and staff members were accounted for after the shooting.
Authorities have taken three suspected shooters, although none of them have been identified at this time.
On Wednesday evening, the Chiefs released a statement about the incident:
“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 begins.
“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 and first responders who were on the scene to assist.”
The NFL also released a statement following the tragedy:
“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.”
— NFL (@NFL) February 14, 2024
The Chiefs — who beat the San Francisco 49ers by a score of 25-22 in Super Bowl 58 — were celebrating their third Super Bowl title in four years at the parade, with around 1 million people reportedly in attendance.