Las Vegas Music Fest Shooting Rocks Country Music World
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LAS VEGAS (CBSMiami) - A deadly mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip at the end of the Route 91 Harvest Festival has left many in the country music world stunned and saddened.
Singer Jason Aldean was on stage when the gunman, identified as 65-year-old Stephen Paddock, opened fire on the crowd of about 22,000 from a room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.
At least 59 people were killed, more than 500 were injured.
Police used explosives to breach the room where Paddock was located, inside they found him dead by his own hand.
Aldean, who was the headliner on the final night of the three day festival, was able to take shelter. He later posted on Instagram:
"Tonight has been beyond horrific. 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"
Jake Owen, who performed right before Aldean, said they started running any where they could when shots started ricocheting off the stage.
"You didn't know where it was coming from. At one point I was sitting on the ground behind a car with about 20 other people crouched behind the car with just fear in their eyes. Yet, everyone was looking for someone to make sure that they were okay. I've just never experienced anything like this before," he said.
Owen also thanked first responders for their heroic actions.
Gun shots!!! Vegas. Pray to god. Love you guys. Love you Pearl.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) October 2, 2017
Praying for everyone here in Vegas. I witnessed the most unimaginable event tonight. We are okay. Others arent. Please pray.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) October 2, 2017
Gun shots were ringing off of the stage rigging and road cases. No one knew where to go..thank you LVPD and responders for keeping us safe
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) October 2, 2017
Singer Kane Brown, who performed at the festival earlier in the day, also took to Twitter.
This world is sick ????
— Kane Brown (@kanebrown) October 2, 2017
Singers Brad Paisley and Martina McBride, who both performed at the festival last year, offered their prayers.
Praying for everyone at #HarvestFestival. There are no words right now that suffice.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) October 2, 2017
Watching this horrific news from Las Vegas and Route 91 Festival. We played this festival last year. Praying for everyone's safety.
— Martina McBride (@martinamcbride) October 2, 2017
Singers Luke Bryan and Justin Moore also took to Twitter:
Words can't begin explain my sadness. My family and I are praying for the victims of this tragedy. Truly heartbroken.
— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) October 2, 2017
I don't even know what to say. Wow. Thoughts and prayers with all involved. So awful
— Justin Moore (@JustinColeMoore) October 2, 2017
President Donald Trump posted his condolences on Twitter after being briefed on the shooting.
My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2017
President Trump's daughter Ivanka also took to Twitter.
1:2 America woke up this morning to the horrific news of a devastating mass shooting in Las Vegas.
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 2, 2017
2:2 Our collective hearts are breaking for the victims and their families. ❤️ #lasVegas
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) October 2, 2017
Former President Barack Obama also sent out his condolences on Twitter.
Michelle & I are praying for the victims in Las Vegas. Our thoughts are with their families & everyone enduring another senseless tragedy.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 2, 2017
The shooting is the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
