In a somber aftermath to the Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City, tight end Travis Kelce continued his celebration at a local restaurant, the Granfalloon Restaurant and Bar. The festivities took a tragic turn earlier as gunmen opened fire on the enthusiastic crowd, leaving at least 30 people injured, including nine children, and claiming the life of beloved Kansas City radio DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan.
Kelce, visibly in good spirits, was captured clutching a beer on his way into the restaurant, just hours after being rushed off stage with his teammates during the chaotic shooting incident. The tight end posed for a smiling selfie with two police officers stationed outside, prompting criticism from some fans who deemed it inappropriate given the recent tragedy.
Despite the backlash, Kelce, who had earlier expressed being ‘heartbroken’ over the shooting, defended his right to enjoy a meal with his team. He posted a message on X, expressing solidarity with those affected, stating, “My heart is with all who came out to celebrate with us and have been affected. KC, you mean the world to me.”
As the city grapples with the aftermath, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas provided an update on the investigation. Three suspects remain under questioning, but the mayor did not disclose their identities. Lucas expressed regret at failing to ensure the safety of everyone at the parade, offering apologies at a press conference and acknowledging his guilt over the incident.
During an interview with CBS, Mayor Lucas emphasized the need for stronger gun control measures, condemning the easy access to firearms in Missouri. He expressed frustration over the high number of homicides in Kansas City last year and proposed a 30 percent starting pay rise for police officers to address the issue.
President Biden also joined the conversation, using the incident to call for stronger gun control measures. In a statement, he urged Congress to act on banning assault weapons, limiting high-capacity magazines, strengthening background checks, and preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
The mayor recounted the horrifying moment when the shooting unfolded, describing the chaos that ensued as fans fled for their lives. He highlighted the urgent need for national and local solutions to address the accessibility of firearms, emphasizing the collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies in the future.