Patrick Mahomes, other Kansas City players, officials ‘praying’ after shooting at Super Bowl celebration
After multiple people were shot at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade, the team’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes, his wife Brittany and linebacker Drue Tranquill and other players, officials, and faith leaders have sent prayers for the victims.
“Praying for Kansas City… 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽,” Mahomes tweeted.
His wife, Brittany Mahomes, also addressed the tragedy on her Instagram Story: “Shooting is never the answer. Praying for Kansas City & America in general, this is rough.”
“So many prayers going to the families involved,” she added.
Other players offer thoughts and prayers for fans in attendance, and first responders
NFL reporter Albert Breer shared how multiple Chiefs players comforted young fans and tried to calm them down.
Chiefs receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling reached out in the hours following the shooting in an effort to help kids and families involved in the shooting.
Officials weigh in with prayers and condolences
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and first lady Teresa Parson were present when the shooting began.
Parson called the incident “a tragic conclusion to a celebration we had all looked forward to – none more than Teresa and me.”
“As we wait to learn more, our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this senseless violence,” he said.
Other leaders also offered expressions of sympathy and concern, including St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones.
“My thoughts are with our fellow Missourians and all of those whose lives continue to be affected by gun violence. I am monitoring the situation closely and praying for all involved.”
U.S. Senator Roger “Doc” Marshall, M.D. released the following statement after the shooting.
“During this chaos, our team thankfully made it to shelter safely. My heart breaks for those who were a victim of this needless violence. I am praying for everyone and the entire KC community. God bless the local law enforcement and first responders who quickly rushed to the scene and responded to this situation.”
Faith leaders call for unity, offer prayers for victims
Local bishops offered prayers for the victims, who died on Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of the Lent season for the Christian faith.
“Let’s offer our prayers for the victims of today’s shooting after the parade and rally and their loved ones,” Bishop James Johnston of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, wrote in a message shared on Facebook. “On this first day of Lent, we turn to God for mercy and healing for our broken world.”
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, called for unity in prayer following the shooting in a statement Wednesday evening.
“As we continue to process the details of the tragic shooting that concluded what had been a unifying celebration for our city, let us now remain united in prayer for healing, both physically and mentally, for the victims, their families, and all who are understandably shaken by the heartbreaking event near Union Station,” he wrote.
Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a Catholic mother of two and disc jockey for the KKFI radio station in Kansas City, Missouri, was killed in the shooting. She was an active parishioner at Sacred Heart-Guadalupe Parish in Kansas City.
Ramona Arroyo, director of religious education at the parish, told OSV News that Lopez-Galvan’s whole family is “devoted to the church.”
Lopez is the sister of Lee’s Summit, Missouri Mayor Pro Tem Beto Lopez, according to the city’s mayor. Along with losing his sister, Lopez’s two nieces and nephew were also injured.
“Our dear friend Mayor Pro Tem Beto Lopez and his family need our prayers now and tonight,” said Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird. “His family members were victims in the parade today. His sister was killed. He has two nieces and a nephew also injured in the horrific shooting.”
“This is truly heartbreaking and an absolute tragedy. Though we feel helpless we can pray for him and his family and offer our most sincere condolences and empathy.
Does reading about faith inspire you? Do you have a story or information about your faith you want to share? Tell us more!
Discover More:
