Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling offers support for children, families impacted by Super Bowl parade shooting
Tragedy struck the Kansas City Chiefs community on Wednesday, after several people were shot and one person was killed near the end of their Super Bowl celebration. And Kansas City WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling stepped in the aftermath to offer support for the children and families impacted by the horrific shooting.
Scantling was among several different players, teams, and entities across the league to address the tragedy and offer support for everybody affected.
“Any chance anyone can help me get in touch with these kids or families? First off I want to make sure they’re doing ok. But would love to help them out in any way I can and get them some stuff from the team to help with the recovery,” Valdes Scantling wrote on his Twitter page.
Chiefs statement on the shooting and tragedy
The Kansas City Chiefs organization has released its first statement following the tragic shooting that has left one dead and up to 22 are injured at the conclusion of their Super Bowl parade.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
According to multiple reports, at least three victims are in critical condition. KNBC in Kansas City, via ESPN’s SportsCenter, confirmed that Children’s Mercy Hospital is treating 12 patients — 11 of which are children and nine that have gunshot wounds. It’s unclear whether all nine of those wounded are children.
Two suspects related to the shooting are in custody, Kansas City police have confirmed.
KC Police chief Stacey Graves also released a statement to the public in the wake of Wednesday’s tragedy.
“We had over 800 law enforcement officers — Kansas City and other agencies at the location — to keep everyone safe because of bad actors, which were very few,” Graves said, via NBC News. “This tragedy occurred even in the presence of uniformed law enforcement officers who again ran toward them and took them into custody.”
Police reveal all Kansas City players, staff accounted for
All Kansas City Chiefs players, coaches and staff have been accounted for following the shooting that occurred the team’s Super Bowl parade on Wednesday, according to KC police, via NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
10 people were injured during the shooting, including one fatality. At least two people are in custody, per the Kansas City Police Department.
Captain Jake Becchina, a spokesman for the KC Police Department to provide more information on the situation.
“At the conclusion of the rally there were shots fired west of Union Station near the garage and several people were struck,” he said, via the KC Star. “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.”
On3’s Barkley Truax also contributed to this article.