Jason Aldean, Ariana Grande, More Artists Respond To Tragedy In Las Vegas
By Jon Wiederhorn and Robyn Collins
LAS VEGAS (RADIO.COM) – Jason Aldean was onstage performing at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada when a gunman opened fire, killing at least 58 and wounding more than 515 people. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. History, CBS News reports.
Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said the shooter was on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casinos, across the street from the country music festival, when he opened fire for more than 10 minutes. "We believe it's a solo actor. A lone wolf," Lombardo said.
The gunman, who was found dead at the scene, was a local resident, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock of Mesquite, Nevada. Two police sources said that it does appear that the shootings were an act of terrorism and that Paddock was known to police in Mesquite and had a criminal history.
After the shooting, Aldean wrote that he and his crew were safe and offered prayers for the victims and their loved ones. "Tonight has been beyond horrific," he wrote. "I still don't know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that me and my crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken #stopthehate."
Aldean was the last performer of the three-day festival. Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Jake Owen and Big & Rich are just a few of the other acts that were on the Route 91 Harvest Festival bill.
Las Vegas Metro PD has set up a hotline to assist with anyone searching for missing family and friends. That number is 866-535-5654.
The Vegas police also advise those wishing to donate blood to visit the Labor Health & Welfare Clinic, 7135 W. Sahara Las Vegas, NV 89117.
Artists from across genres took to social media this morning to share the grief and support. Including Ariana Grande, who's Manchester concert was also a target of attack, back in May 2017.
Grande tweeted "My heart is breaking for Las Vegas. We need love, unity, peace, gun control & for people to look at this & call this what it is = terrorism."
See other messages from artists below:
©2017 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved.
