Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker blames “degenerative violence” for the deadly Super Bowl parade shooting that marred the city’s celebration last month.
Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a beloved local radio disc jockey and avid fan of the team, was killed tragically in the crossfire. Twenty-two others were injured, including several children. Lopez-Galvan left behind two young children of her own.
The shooting was the result of an ignorant group of thugs caught up in looking at each other disrespectfully.
Lyndell Mays, 23, has been charged in the attack on two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and second-degree murder. 18-year-old Dominic Miller faces the same charges. Three others are facing federal gun charges in the incident.
While several sportscasters leaped to blame gun rights for the incident, Butker took a different approach and looked at underlying issues.
WATCH: Three-time Catholic Super Bowl Champ Harrison Butker instantly flips script on reporter baiting question on gun-control following Kansas City parade shooting:
— Danny De Urbina (@dannydeurbina) March 18, 2024
"I don't think guns are the issue. I think we need strong fathers in the home that are being great examples."🔥 pic.twitter.com/wiM6adYkVd
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Harrison Butker Blames A Lack Of Good Father Figures
Butker was asked by an interviewer with EWTN News’ “In Depth” to address gun violence. As if that is the sole specific problem in this country and in local communities.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicker immediately flipped the script and gave a more nuanced, more accurate viewpoint.
“I had to do a lot of thinking about what took place at the parade. I know that gun violence was a big discussion, but at the end of the day this is degenerative violence, and it should not be occurring,” Butker said.
He then mentioned family.
“I think we need strong fathers in the home. We need men that are leading, that are setting good examples, that are teaching the young men in our society that violence is not the way to handle our disputes.”
Harrison Butker reiterated his stance that guns are not the problem.
“It’s very unfortunate what happened. Unfortunately, many, many children were injured,” he continued. “A beautiful young lady was killed over someone getting offended and turning to violence to handle that dispute.”
“It’s so sad. I don’t think guns are the issue. I think we need fathers in the home that are being great examples for our youth.”
Imagine that. Seeking out the root causes of violence. And simultaneously coming to the conclusion that a breakdown in society might be a bigger factor.
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Others Jump To Blame Guns
Harrison Butker’s take is a refreshing one. Furthermore, it stands in stark contrast to various sports commentators who couldn’t wait to blame the shooting on guns.
NFL Network host Rich Eisen capitalized on the gun control debate by appealing to everybody’s emotions regarding the child victims.
“Nine children … who went to a parade to celebrate their Super Bowl team. Nine children now being treated for gunshot wounds @ChildrensMercy,” he wrote on X.
“When are we going to collectively realize there’s a gun problem in our country and do something sensible for our kids?”
Former NFL QB Robert Griffin III additionally wasted no time in politicizing the shooting at the Kansas City Chief’s Super Bowl victory parade.
Rather than looking at other factors, Griffin argued for stricter gun control laws within hours of the tragedy.
“Put the politics aside, work TOGETHER, and pass laws to ensure we are no longer known as the land of mass shootings,” he said.
What About Faith?
No mention of gang violence. Crime in the inner city. No mention of fathers and role models, or the lack thereof.
But they’re always ready to go after their boogeyman – guns.
It’s refreshing to see somebody in the NFL world point out there are bigger, more complex issues at play here.
All of this notwithstanding, Harrison Butker made news last month when he gave the family of Lopez-Galvan his jersey. She had been wearing one at the parade.
Additionally, he referenced her faith as well as his own in the interview.
“It’s the faith. It was the most important thing in her life. It’s the most important thing in my life,” he said. “And to be able to receive that encouragement, that love, even though I never met her, I heard from her family how much she was encouraged by me and loved all my work, it’s just very encouraging for me to continue on the path that I’m on and to be never unwavering in my beliefs.”
A surprisingly amazing interview.
Butker, meanwhile, is the current record holder for the longest Field Goal in Super Bowl history. He drilled a 57-yard field goal with 20 seconds left in the first half as the Chiefs went on to a 25-22 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
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