Kansas City players post messages of support on social media

After several people were shot during a celebration of Kansas City's latest Super Bowl title, quarterback Patrick Mahomes wrote on social media that he “prayed for Kansas City,” while other players shared similar messages of support to the community gathered downtown to honor the Chiefs during a victory parade and rally.

Guard Trey Smith Thank you the rescue personnel “who ran toward the sound of danger,” and linebacker Drue Tranquill recognized the efforts of doctors who cared for the people who had been shot. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a receiver who caught a touchdown in Sunday's Super Bowl, was looking to connect with the children being treated at a local children's hospital for injuries sustained during the incident, offering them support 'in any way we can'.

Former Kansas City safety Juan Thornhill wrote on social media: “Why turn something so positive into this.”

All Chiefs players, coaches, staff and their families are safe and being cared for team said in a statement. Team members and their families enjoyed a day of celebration with fans that began with a parade and ended with a gathering at historic Union Station. They rode the bus back to the team's stadium when the event ended.

“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside Union Station,” the team said. “Our thoughts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City.”

Employees of NFL Network and league-owned NFL Films, who were on site to cover the event, are also safe, according to a league spokesperson. The NFL said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened by the senseless shooting” and thanked law enforcement and emergency services for a “quick and thorough response.”

The shooting occurred less than a week after the Players Coalition, a nonprofit founded by former NFL stars Anquan Boldin and Malcolm Jenkins, announced before the Super Bowl that it would donate $100,000 each to two groups focused on reducing gun violence. The advocacy groups Community Justice and Equal Justice USA work in communities with survivors, policymakers and public health experts.

The Baltimore Ravens, the team that defeated Kansas City in the conference championship last month to reach the Super Bowl, issued a statement of support.

“Our thoughts are with Chiefs Kingdom following the tragic events and shocking violence that occurred during today's parade in Kansas City,” the team said. “On a day meant to unite people in joy and celebrate love, we send our full support to every citizen of the region and every member of the Chiefs organization affected by this senseless tragedy.”

Ken Belson reporting contributed.