Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith took cover like so many other bystanders when gunfire erupted after a Super Bowl celebration Wednesday, leaving one dead and more than 20 injured, but he helped calm the frightened people outside. They were trying to escape danger, including children.
Smith told ABC that a security guard ushered them out when the shooting began and realized: “'OK, this is not a joke. This is a life-or-death situation.'”
Smith said he found shelter in a closet and led others to safety.
“Right before I ran in there, there was like a little kid in front of me, so I just grabbed him, I just threw him, (and) I said, 'You're jumping in here with me, dude,' so I don't know how many people were in there.” the closet. Maybe more than 20?”
Smith said Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester was also “very instrumental in helping keep him calm.”
After authorities allowed them to come out, they walked to the team buses, which quickly filled with frightened spectators.
Smith, who had been wearing a World Wrestling Entertainment championship belt as a prop during the Super Bowl parade, noticed a little boy who he said was panicking.
“I just handed him the belt,” Smith said, telling the boy, “Hey, buddy, you're the champion.” Nobody will hurt you. Nobody will hurt you, man. We have your back.”
