Route 91 Harvest Festival Shooting: Performers Check in as Safe on Socials
As news broke early Monday morning (Oct. 2) about the mass shooting unfolding at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Nev., country artists who were performing during and attending the three-day event used social media to let fans know they were safe. They also shared messages of love and prayers for those killed and injured in what is now the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Some artists, such as Chris Young -- who was not performing at the Route 91 Harvest Festival but was in attendance -- were tweeting while the shooting took place: "I love you guys," Young initially tweeted, minutes after the shooting had begun. Jake Owen, who performed at the festival, had his daughter on his mind: "Pray to god," he tweeted. "Love you guys. Love you Pearl."
At least 50 people are dead and over 500 are injured following the attack. The shooter has been identified as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock of Mesquite, Nev., who opened fire from his 32nd floor hotel room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. He is now dead; police believe he killed himself before they entered his hotel room.
More artists continue to weigh in on the tragedy, either to reassure fans that they are safe or to share thoughts and prayers. Jason Aldean was performing as the shooting began; other performers at the festival included Sam Hunt, Eric Church, Maren Morris, the Brothers Osborne and Luke Combs.
Remembering the Route 91 Harvest Festival Shooting Victims