Las Vegas Concert Shooting Leaves 58 Dead and 515 Injured
A gunman opened fire at the outdoor Route 91 Harvest Festival on the Las Vegas strip on Sunday night, leaving 58 people dead and 515 injured, according to reports. The shooting started just as Jason Aldean began his headlining set, sending him running from stage for cover as the tragedy unfolded.
Aldean assured fans he was safe while breaking his silence on the shooting in an emotional Instagram post early Monday morning. “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.”
Other country artists who were at the event, such as Jake Owen and Chris Young, shared their horrific first-hand experience of the shooting.
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
Spent I don't know how long on the floor of a trailer behind the stage… know multiple people are dead. Listening to that gunfire…
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) October 2, 2017
Many celebrities took to Twitter to share their shock and sadness, while sending their thoughts to those involved. Both Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, who have spent a lot of time on the strip doing concert residencies in Las Vegas, sent prayers to the victims and their families.
Praying for all the innocent victims and their families in Las Vegas – Céline xx… #LasVegas
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) October 2, 2017
Horrified to hear about the shooting in #LasVegas. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Praying for everyone's safety 🙏💔
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) October 2, 2017
George Takei took a moment to thank the Las Vegas first responders, while others urged those who can to donate blood.
Thank you to the Las Vegas first responders, in the thick of the terrible shootings there. Your actions helped save lives tonight.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 2, 2017
Give if you can. Lead with love. https://t.co/59qQJXlMhw
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) October 2, 2017
While Julianne Moore spoke out about ending gun violence.
I mourn this senseless loss of life. What will it take, #Congress, for you to act? @Everytown @MomsDemand #endgunviolence https://t.co/6HpuWk9ZLe
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) October 2, 2017
Many found themselves in disbelief over the events, unable to find the appropriate words for the situation. “WTF is happening,” Bob Saget wrote. “Can’t keep up with all the pain this country is facing.”
Oh God. Vegas. WTF is happening. Can’t keep up with all the pain this country is facing. Sending love to Vegas.
— bob saget (@bobsaget) October 2, 2017
I can't believe this!! The deadliest mass shooting in US history! 😩My sincerest condolences to everybody there! My prayers are with you! 💔
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) October 2, 2017
Praying for everyone at #HarvestFestival. There are no words right now that suffice.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) October 2, 2017
Don't even know what to say. To be in Vegas while this is happening, brings a pain to my heart. My team and I are safe Thank God! Prayers up
— Trey Songz (@TreySongz) October 2, 2017
Lord help us
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) October 2, 2017
Police report that the suspect, Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada, fired at the festival from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel before shooting himself.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.
(Photo via Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty)