Travis Kelce has offered his condolences following a horror shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII parade.
A tragedy unfolded on Wednesday (February 14) when a mass shooting occurred near Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri as Chiefs fans were leaving celebrations for the football team's recent success.
Despite the presence of more than 800 police officers, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves revealed in a press conference that one victim was killed after gunshots rang out, with 22 victims sustaining injuries, as reported by PEOPLE.
Graves also disclosed that three people have been detained in connection to the incident and are under investigation, adding: "Right now we do not have a motive."
Paradegoer Arnold Sauther opened up about the harrowing shooting to ABC News, telling the publication that when the rally ended, the Chiefs went into Union Station, and fans followed the players to get autographs.
"Then, all of a sudden they all started running out, and you see all these policemen come running in there, and you knew something happened in the station," Sauther said.
One witness added that they hid near an elevator and "prayed," sharing: "There was yelling, and we didn't know if it was safe to leave, so we tried to block the doors. We heard the elevator start to move, so we opened the doors and ran out - there were officers there. I've never been so glad to see an officer in my life."
Among the injured, 11 children are being treated at Children's Mercy Kansas City, nine of them for gunshot wounds. All the children are expected to recover from their injuries, according to an update by the hospital's senior vice president Stephanie Meyer.
The children in their care are between the ages of six and 15. An adult who is a parent of one of the children is also being treated there, Meyer added.
"I'm angry at what happened today," the Kansas City Police Chief shared at the press conference. "The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment."
Kelce, who plays as a tight end for the American football team, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his support to all those affected by the shooting in an emotional post.
"I am heartbroken over the tragedy that took place today. My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me," the 34-year-old penned.
The Chiefs released a statement, penning: "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 NFL team added that "all of our players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and accounted for," while also sharing that they were in close contact with law enforcement officials and thanked first responders.
Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes also tweeted: "Praying for Kansas City," while his wife, Brittany Mahomes, addressed the tragedy on her Instagram Story: "Lives lost and people injured during something that was [supposed] to be a celebration. Horrible and traumatizing. So many prayers going to the families involved."
The shooting at the parade coincided with the sixth anniversary of the Parkland school massacre in Florida on February 14, 2018, which claimed the lives of 17 people.
President Joe Biden released a statement urging action on gun control, stating that for such an attack to occur during a Super Bowl parade "cuts deep in the American soul," as cited by The Guardian.
"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?" he added.
The 81-year-old encouraged people to make their voices in Congress for efforts to prohibit assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines, and strengthen background checks.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.
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