Normally I don’t like to get involved with the news and media regarding events but this hits home especially because this is a country music blog, but I felt it was necessary for me to write about Las Vegas.
For those who are unaware of what happened Sunday night a gentleman by the name of Stephen Paddock (age 67) was in his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel on the Vegas Strip. Paddock decided to shoot out of his room into the crowd at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. The shooting occurred on the last night of the festival during Jason Aldean’s set. Aldean said that he thought it was misfired fireworks until he saw the crowd begin to run, duck and hide. At that point Aldean knew it wasn’t fireworks and ran off stage into hiding. As of right now no motive for the shooting has been announced. Thankfully due to the quick alert and focus of the LVPD Paddock was found dead in his room when police located his room and forced their way in.
As I was on my way to school the radio station begins to talk about Sunday night’s horrific event. Hearing that over 50 people were killed and over 500 injured makes my skin crawl. The words coming across the radio will forever be engraved in my mind “This is the largest mass shooting in the United States.” I am still trying to wrap my mind around why a man would do such a horrific thing to those just having the time of their lives listening to music that makes them happy. I am in utter shock and disbelief that no other words can describe how I am feeling. I am absolutely grateful that none of the performers were injured even though fans and friends lost their own precious lives. The country music community truly has come together as one in this time of hurt. This is one reason I love country radio. No matter how horrific a situation may be, we come together as one and help out in anyway we can even if it’s sending out thoughts and prayers.
As news spread about last night country stars began to come out and express their thoughts and feelings. Below are some posts from country stars.
“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”
-Jason Aldean
“Just sad. And so sorry for the fans who came to sing and dance and be free and happy. thinking of everyone there & my friend @Jason_Aldean.”
-Kelsea Ballerini
“JUST HEARING ABOUT VEGAS. Noooooooo 💔 Heartbroken for Vegas + the country community. Numbingly terrifying. Wtf.”
-Kacey Musgraves
“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
Those were just a few of the many tweets and posts regarding last night. My own thoughts are out there today to all of those affected.
PLEASE if you take anything away from this post please take away this:
We can’t live scared or it gives people like Paddock more power. That doesn’t mean we ignore it, but we need to be more vigilant and observant.
Remember to tell those you love how much you love them and hug them all a little tighter tonight.