Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and many of his players were among the heroes that emerged following the tragic shooting that marred the team’s Super Bowl celebration Wednesday.
One person was killed and as many as 15 others were injured in the shooting, which happened at Union Station near the end of the victory parade. Kansas City Police reported they have taken two suspects into custody.
Videos of the immediate aftermath showed a chaotic scene as law enforcement officers rushed toward the sound of gunfire and fans fled.
Several fans pursued one of the armed suspects, knocked him down and subdued him until officers arrived.
Kansas City head coach Andy Reid and a number of Chiefs players and coaches stepped up to offer assistance during the chaos. Gabe Wallace, a high school student, said he hopped a barricade to flee the shooting and fell, hitting his head. Wallace said Reid came over to hug him, “trying to comfort me.”
NFL insider Albert Breer reported that “players were UNBELIEVABLE calming panicked kids down. Blaine Gabbert, Tre Smith, Austin Reiter, Chris Oladukun all rallied. Smith went to one upset kid, gave him the WWE title belt and sat with him ’til he calmed down.”
Breer reported the Chiefs left the scene in busses, “in shock,” like everyone else who witnessed the incident.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other players tweeted out their concerns and prayers.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.