The Kansas City Chiefs had a big win last weekend at Super Bowl LVIII, but celebrations were dampered after a tragic shooting at their victory parade on Wednesday that left one dead and 33 injured.
Now, the team’s star tight end Travis Kelce and his brother Jason have broken their silence on the tragedy, with a joint video message on social media.
On February 19, the brothers and NFL stars released a message on their social media platforms. They announced that there is a pre-recorded episode of their podcast New Heights going to be released on Wednesday, but before it airs they wanted to acknowledge last week’s tragic shooting in Kansas City.
“After the tragic events of the Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, it didn’t feel right without you guys hearing from us first,” Travis Kelce says.
“We just wanted to say our hearts go out to all of the victims, their families, Chiefs Kingdom, and really all of Kansas City that was really there on a day to try and celebrate the community,” says Jason, the 36-year-old center for the Philadelphia Eagles.
“It’s unfortunate, and deeply tragic the events that occurred. So we want to thank the local law enforcement that sprang into action, the first responders on scene, and anybody that’s been willing to help those affected by this tragedy.”
READ MORE: Mom-of-two killed at Super Bowl parade shooting – tragic details
It is the first time the brothers have spoken about the shooting, though Travis released a tweet in the immediate aftermath, saying he was “heartbroken.”
“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 brothers then directed people towards the emergency response fund, a collaboration between the Chiefs and United Way. Money raised will go towards the victims and their families, towards first responders, and to support violence prevention and recovery organizations and mental health support services.
“We say all the time that Kansas City is America’s biggest small town,” the website reads. “This is your way to support your neighbors who have been directly affected by this senseless violence.”
The shooting was a devastating shock to Kansas City, and the nation, on what was supposed to be a day to celebrate the Chiefs’ big victory. The shooting reportedly began over an altercation, and 22 individuals — most of whom were children — were struck by gunfire. Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a local DJ and mother of two, was killed on the scene.
Two unidentified juveniles were charged in connection to the shooting last week, and today two adults, Dominic Miller and Lyndell Mays, were arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
READ MORE: Chiefs fans filmed tackling possible Super Bowl parade shooter: ‘Catch this guy, tackle him’
Taylor Swift, the pop star who has been in a high-profile relationship with Travis Kelce and a staple at Chiefs games all season, donated $100,000 to a GoFundMe supporting the family of Lopez-Galvan. Travis donated the same amount to a different fundraiser, for the family of two daughters who were injured in the shooting.
Our hearts continue to be with everyone affected by this senseless tragedy. Thank you to Travis and Jason Kelce for sharing their condolences to the victims and thanking the first responders.
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