Kansas City Royals react to shooting at Chiefs Super Bowl rally: ‘Just terrible’

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro opened his Thursday news conference with a heartfelt message to the Kansas City community.

“I just want to start with a brief statement on yesterday’s tragedy,” Quatraro said. “You know, those tragic events really hit deeply here with the Royals. For those of us that live in the community, even more so. We really want to send our heartfelt thoughts out to those who are affected, especially the families, especially for the family of Lisa Lopez-Galvan and her brother, who the Royals have worked really closely with. And we just hope everyone can move past it and heal quickly.”

On Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their Super Bowl 58 victory with a downtown parade. The celebration had a tragic end as a mass shooting occurred outside of Union Station, where the parade and rally were held.

In a news conference Thursday, Kansas City police said 23 people had been shot. Others were treated with injuries at local hospitals. The Kansas City Fire Department announced one person died on the scene.

Kansas City Police detained two juveniles and one adult following the shooting.

Half of the victims were under the age of 16, per Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves. The victims ranged from ages 8 to 47.

The Star confirmed Lopez-Galvan died in the shooting. Her brother, Beto Lopez, shared she was hit by gunfire near Union Station. Lopez-Galvan was a beloved disc jockey in the Kansas City area. Local radio station, KKFI, posted a tribute to Lopez on their Facebook account.

The Royals witnessed the aftermath of the Chiefs rally shooting in real time. They had just finished a workout at their spring training complex in Surprise, Arizona.

“We’re all watching it on TV here in disbelief,” Quatraro said. “Really, you know, I mean, there is nothing you can say in the moment as all the information is coming in, who was there and what happened. There is confusion. But for everybody to see it happening and unfolding like that, it’s just terrible.”

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. reacted to the news on social media. He posted “Prayers to KC” on his X account. Witt also offered comfort to the families affected by the tragedy.

“Just terrible,” Witt said of the mass shooting. “We are out here in Arizona playing baseball, but back at home, that’s going on. It hit our hearts out here. Definitely praying for the families that attended.”

The Royals collectively released a team statement that read, in part, “Our hearts ache from the senseless violence that took place at the parade.” The St. Louis Cardinals also shared a heartfelt response on Thursday.

As Kansas City continues to process Wednesday’s mass shooting, the Royals plan to support the community at each turn.

“It’s our home,” Witt said. “Just seeing that happen: It was one of those days of celebration and something like that happens — it changes real quick. Just praying for those families, everyone involved, especially the kids. Everyone here is supporting them and praying for them.”