Kansas City Chiefs star Marquez Valdes-Scantling said Wednesday that he wants to help the children injured in the shooting at the team’s Super Bowl victory parade “in any way I can.”
The wide receiver appealed for help tracking down the young victims after authorities said half of the 22 people hospitalized in the tragedy were between the ages of 5 and 16.
“Can someone please help me get in touch with these kids and their families? First of all, I want to make sure they’re doing well,” said Valdes-Scantling, 29. , He said it in X.
“But I want to help them in any way I can and give my team something to help them rebuild.”
A representative for Valdes-Scantling confirmed to the Post on Thursday that the NFL star is actively working to connect with the young victims and their families, but declined to comment on the project. He refused, saying he didn’t want to put himself at the center of it and that the charity had no intention of doing so either. It was about the victim. ”
Children’s Mercy Hospital officials said the 11 hospitalized children, nine with gunshot wounds, are expected to make a full recovery.
Three suspect gunmen opened fire on the west side of the city’s landmark Union Station, injuring a total of 22 parade participants.
Lisa López Galván, a mother of two and avid Chiefs fan and local disc jockey, was killed in the attack.
The shocking gunshots set off a frenzy of panicked revelers rushing for safety, and the chaotic chaos was also captured on multiple videos and television recordings.
In the face of chaos, several other Kansas City Chiefs star players calmed panicked children after the shooting erupted and everyone evacuated.
Offensive lineman Trey Smith handed the team’s WWE title belt to a frightened-looking boy next to his father.
“I was wondering what I could do to help him,” Smith said. Thursday “Good Morning America”.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade shooting.
“I just handed him the belt and said, ‘Hey, you’re the champion. Nobody’s going to hurt you, dude. We’ve got your back.’
The team’s coach, Andy Reid, also stepped into action to comfort 10th grader Gabe Wallace, as the two crouched together.
“I was so happy that Andy Reid tried to comfort me,” Wallace said. he told the Kansas City Star. “He kind of hugged me and was like, ‘Are you okay?’ ” Are you okay? Just breathe. ‘He was really kind.
“He left to check on the others, I’m sure.”
Police said the shooting was the result of a personal dispute that turned violent and had no connection to domestic terrorism or violent extremism.
According to police, two of the three suspects are juveniles.
