The Kansas City Chiefs are speaking out after a shooting at their Super Bowl victory parade left at least one person dead and more than 20 others injured on Feb. 14.
Three people are in custody, police said.
“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 Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement issued hours after the shooting occurred.
The team went on to confirm that all players, coaches and staff members — as well as their families — are safe.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City,” the statement said.
The team's statement says they are in close communication with the mayor's office and Kansas City police.
Gunfire erupted outside Kansas City’s Union Station during the Chiefs victory parade after the team won the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Officials have said they believe the shooting was criminal in nature but is not initially believed to be terrorism, three law enforcement officials told NBC News.
Police have not identified the slain victim or the three suspects in custody as of Wednesday afternoon. A spokesperson for Children’s Mercy in Kansas City told NBC News that the hospital is treating 12 patients from the rally, 11 of them children. Nine of those patients have gunshot wounds, she said, though it was not immediately clear if all nine gunshot wound victims are children.
Later in the evening, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce posted a response to the shooting, writing he is "heartbroken."
"I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today," he tweeted. "My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me."
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also spoke out about the shooting, tweeting that he's "praying" for the city.
“Praying for Kansas City,” the Super Bowl MVP wrote, ending the post with three praying hands emoji.
His wife, Brittany Mahomes, also shared her thoughts in a post on social media.
“Shooting people is never the answer. Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is rough," she wrote on her Instagram story.
She went on to say she is "highly embarrassed and disappointed" following the shooting.
"Highly embarrassed and disappointed in this, Super Bowl wins will never be the same because of this, it’s devastating," she wrote. "Lives lost and people injured during something that was (supposed) to be a celebration. Horrible and traumatizing."
She concluded by sending prayers to the victims and families involved.
The NFL also shared a statement saying in part, "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."
Wednesday evening, President Joe Biden also issued a statement on the shooting, calling on Congress to “ban assault weapons, to limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, keep guns out of the hands of those who have no business owning them or handling them.”
“The Super Bowl is the most unifying event in America. Nothing brings more of us together. And the celebration of a Super Bowl win is a moment that brings a joy that can’t be matched to the winning team and their supporters. For this joy to be turned to tragedy today in Kansas City cuts deep in the American soul,” Biden said, in part, in the statement. “Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting. What are we waiting for? What else do we need to see? How many more families need to be torn apart?”
