Chiefs player shares post-shooting experience at Super Bowl parade
Kansas City Chiefs Player Trey Smith Recounts Moments After Shots at Super Bowl Parade
Kansas City Chiefs player Trey Smith vividly remembers the chaotic moments that followed the sound of gunshots at the Super Bowl LVIII victory parade in Kansas City. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in one fatality and over 20 injuries.
During an appearance on “Good Morning America,” Smith shared how the team was alerted to the ”active shooter” situation as they were leaving the stage at the end of the parade.
“I just remember the security guards urgently guiding us through the doors, urging us to hurry up,” Smith recalled. “They made it clear that this was not a joke, but a matter of life and death.”
Smith and his teammates sought refuge in a closet, ensuring the safety of others along the way.
“I’m pretty angry. Due to senseless violence, someone lost their life today … At the end of the day, Kansas City is a great city. We’re gonna stand up together and we’re gonna be strong.”
Chiefs’ player @treysmith details the aftermath of the deadly Super Bowl parade shooting. pic.twitter.com/fQMNSbnvFR
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 15, 2024
“Just before I entered the closet, I noticed a young child in front of me. I quickly grabbed him and said, ‘You’re coming in here with me, buddy,'” Smith recounted to GMA. “I’m not sure how many people were in the closet, but it was around 20 or more.”
He added, “My teammate, James Winchester, played a crucial role in keeping everyone calm.”
Smith also shared a heartwarming moment when he comforted a young fan amidst the chaos.
“There was a little boy with his father who was extremely upset,” Smith explained. “He was scared and didn’t understand what was happening. I had the WWE belt from the parade, and I thought, ‘What can I do to help him?’ So, I handed him the belt and said, ‘Hey buddy, you’re the champion. No one is going to hurt you. We’ve got your back.’
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NFL reporter Albert Breer took to X to praise the players for their incredible efforts in calming down frightened fans.
“The Chiefs left the parade in buses, still in shock,” Breer tweeted. “I was told that the players were UNBELIEVABLE in calming down panicked kids. Blaine Gabbert, Trey Smith, Austin Reiter, and Chris Oladukun all stepped up.”
“Smith approached one distressed child, gave him the WWE title belt, and stayed with him until he calmed down,” he added.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid also played a role in the aftermath of the shooting.
Teenager Gabe Wallace shared with “The Kansas City Star” how Reid provided comfort during the ordeal.
“Reid was trying to comfort me, which was nice. He hugged me and asked, ‘Are you okay, man? Just please breathe.’ He was really kind,” Wallace shared.
Wallace added that Reid then “went to check on other people, I believe.”
Later in the day, the Chiefs released a statement expressing their deep sadness over the senseless act of violence.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City,” the statement read. “We are in close communication with the Mayor’s office as well as the Kansas City Police Department.”
“At this time, we have confirmed that all of our players, coaches, staff, and their families are safe and accounted for,” it concluded. “We thank the local law enforcement and first responders who were on the scene to assist.”
How did players and coaches at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade ensure the safety of fans during the shooting incident?
Breer tweeted. “Players and coaches comforted fans, made sure they were safe. Awful situation, but a lot of people did good things today.”
Smith emphasized the resilience and unity of the Kansas City community in the face of tragedy.
“I’m pretty angry,” Smith expressed. “Due to senseless violence, someone lost their life today … At the end of the day, Kansas City is a great city. We’re gonna stand up together and we’re gonna be strong.”
The shooting incident at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of events and the need for enhanced security measures. While the celebration quickly turned into panic and chaos, Trey Smith and his teammates displayed remarkable courage and leadership in ensuring the safety of those around them.
Smith’s act of protecting a young child and comforting a scared fan demonstrates the compassion and empathy that athletes can bring to difficult situations. These acts of kindness and solidarity amidst the chaos are a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
The incident also highlights the importance of security protocols and preparedness at public events, especially those with high-profile individuals and large crowds. The prompt actions of the security guards and the team ensured the swift evacuation and protection of the players and attendees.
Moving forward, it is essential for event organizers, venues, and law enforcement agencies to continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Regular assessments of security measures, appropriate emergency response protocols, and communication strategies are crucial in preventing and managing potential threats.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade shooting may have been a dark moment in the team’s celebration, but it also served as a shining example of unity, strength, and resilience. Trey Smith and his teammates exhibited bravery and compassion, reminding us all of the power of human kindness in the face of adversity.
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