Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival Shooting LIVE Blog
On Sunday evening (10-1), a shooter named Stephen Paddock opened fire on attendees of the Route 91 Harvest Festival in downtown Las Vegas, killing at least 58 people, and injuring an estimated 515 according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. Saving Country Music will keep LIVE update rolling here with news and info, and how people can help.
Please find LIVE updates BELOW:
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Here’s the basics as we know them (updating as info becomes available):
• 59 dead, 527 wounded. It is the deadliest mass shooting in American history, surpassing the Pulse nightclub shooting. To locate missing, call (866) 535-5654
How You Can Help:
• The FBI in Las Vegas is asking anyone with videos or photos from the 10/1/17 Las Vegas shooting to please call 1-800-CALLFBI (255-5324)
A victims fund has been set up via Go Fund Me.
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Live Updates:
5:22 – Sheriff Joe Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department says they have confiscated a total of 18 additional firearms from the suspect’s home, as well as “explosives” and thousands of rounds of ammunition. There are also numerous electronic devices they are investigating.
5:03 – The casualty numbers have just been updated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. There are now 59 dead, and 527 injured. The police also confirm they are processing four separate crime scenes.
3:55 – Some of the guns used in the massacre were sold to the suspect by Guns & Guitars, Inc., according to general manager, Christopher M Sullivan. A total of 10 guns were found in the suspects Mandalay Bay room. Sullivan has released a statement,
“We mourn for this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the lost and injured. Mr. Paddock was a customer and purchased firearms from our store; however, all necessary background checks and procedures were followed, as required by local, state, and federal law. He never gave any indication or reason to believe he was unstable or unfit at any time. We are currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation by local and federal law enforcement in any way we can.”
3:27 – Live Nation, who were the promoters of the concert, have just released a more detailed statement.
“We are heartbroken over the tragedy that took place at the Route 91 Harvest festival. To think that anyone would want to inflict harm on a gathering of music lovers is beyond our comprehension. And while we are stunned and grieving over this incomprehensible act of violence, we know that this is a moment when we must come together to prevent more tragedies like this from occurring.
“Live Nation will do everything in our power to support the victims and their families through the aftermath of this horrendous event and extends our deepest gratitude to the heroic first responders who helped save as many lives as possible. To our Live Nation on-site employees, we cannot thank you enough for your bravery and perseverance over the past 24 hours and will ensure you have the resources and support necessary to heal from this.”
3:24 – The reports of the death of Tom Petty have made an even more somber day.
2:37 – Attorney General Jeff Sessions: “I met with FBI Director Wray this morning. The investigation into the horrific shooting last night in Las Vegas is ongoing. I also spoke to Las Vegas Metropolitan Sheriff Joe Lombardo today. I expressed my gratitude for the courageous work of his officers through the night and offered him the full support of the FBI, the ATF and the entire Department of Justice as he takes the lead investigating the incident. To the many families whose lives have been changed forever by this heinous act, we offer you our prayers and our promise that we will do everything in our power to get justice for your loved ones.”
2:23 – Numerous benefit concerts are already in the works to help aid the victims of the shooting, with details to be announced in the coming hours and days.
2:21 – The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has established the Music City Cares Fund with 100 percent of the donations going to Las Vegas to help with the immediate and long-term needs of victims. “Country music is the heart of Music City,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “We are reaching out to country music fans who fell victim to this evil. They must know we care and care deeply. Our prayers are with them.” To donate go to cmft.org .
2:04 – Monday was supposed to be the final day of voting for the CMA awards to be held in November, but the CMA has just extended voting due to the attack until Tuesday. “Our hearts go out to the fans, artists and crew members who experienced the tragedy in Las Vegas last night. The country community is deeply saddened to hear lives were lost and many injured at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Prayers for all as we search for understanding and come together to cope with this horrific act,” the CMA said in a statement.
1:57 – Multiple groups connected to ISIS have claimed responsibility for the shooting, leading to some speculation it could have been a terrorist attack. However local and national authorities say at this point there is absolutely no evidence to link the incident with international terrorism.
1:46 – Authorities say that at least 12 people are in critical condition and fighting for their lives. Death toll is still 58. Some injured came from being trampled, or run over by vehicles fleeing the scene.
1:45 –
1:40 – Uber is offering free rides to anyone in the Las Vegas area who want to donate blood at donation centers or hospitals.
1:38 – Dr. John Fildes describes the incident from the hospital’s perspective. “The alarming thing was watching the front door open. It never stopped. Gurneys just kept coming in. Trucks would come. People would be brought in by friends. Private vehicles and taxis dropped off patients. They just kept coming in. We did what in trauma is known as ‘damage control’ – which is really just a matter of stopping the dying process. Get the patient stabilized, get them off the table, get the next one in there, and that’s what we kind of did all night long.” (from CNN)
1:20 – More Artist Reactions:
Like you our hearts are torn apart over this horrible event… God Bless us all!!! – Oak Ridge Boys
Heartbroken & in shock about the news from Las Vegas! Praying for our nation! – Lee Greenwood
just woke up to the news about the shooting in Vegas. i’m speechless. praying for everyone there. – Charlie Worsham
Oh my God, Las Vegas…I have no words. – Rhiannon Giddens
Heartbroken to hear of the mass shooting in Las Vegas. Sending prayers to those involved. – Margo Price
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1:13 – There will be a national moment of silence to honor the victims of the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting at 2:45 EDT, 1:45 CDT.
1:05 – According to relatives and neighbors of suspect Stephen Paddock, he was a fan of country music, and regularly went to shows in Las Vegas clubs and venues catering to many of the same acts that performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.
1:01 – According to a retired police officer, the smoke from all the expended ammunition from the suspect’s room at the Mandalay Bay set off a smoke detector, which is what led police directly to the room. Story from The Washington Post.
12:56 – Many upcoming shows and concerts in the Las Vegas area are being canceled in the aftermath of the shooting. A hotbed for the dance club scene, many performers and fans of dance/club/EDM are sending heartfelt condolences to the country music community.
12:49 – NEW INFO – The suspect’s father, Benjamin Hoskins Paddock, was on the FBI’s most wanted list from June 10, 1969 until May 5, 1977. Benjamin Paddock died a few years ago. Suspect Stephen Paddock’s brother Eric Paddock says Stephen was born while his father was on the run.
An FBI most wanted poster from 1969 says Paddock was convicted of bank robbery, automobile larceny, and “confidence game,” calling him “psychopathic” and known to “carried firearms in commission of bank robberies.” He “reportedly has suicidal tendencies and should be considered armed and very dangerous.”
12:40 – Places where you can donate blood locally in the Las Vegas area. Obviously you can donate blood anywhere, any time to help in situations like these.
12:33 – Lines are forming at local Las Vegas blood banks as residents and tourists take up the call for blood donations. Below photo was taken by Hector Salas who was visiting the city for a conference and answered the call.
12:28 – More Artist reactions:
I’m sickened. Praying for all. In London and just heard what happened to our friends in Las Vegas. – Randy Houser
I’m shook. I don’t know how to comprehend this. My heart hurts. I’m so sad for fans & my friends. Music is supposed to bring us together. – Lindsay Ell
Everyone in the B&R camp is ok thoughts and prayers to everyone in vegas – Big & Rich
Absolutely Heartbroken,,,, Prayers up for all the folks, fans, artists, victims and families for everyone suffering in Las Vegas… – Neal McCoy
“My heart hurts… What in the world?! Let’s all show VEGAS we have their back in this madness. Praying for all of the victims and for the Country music community. Damn, this hits close to home. We WILL get through this.” — Brett Eldredge
“Heartbreaking news this morning. We are praying for everyone. JESUS, be with these people. Unbelievable. This world makes me sad.” – Chris Janson
“Paying for everyone at [Harvest Festival]. There are no words right now that suffice.” – Brad Paisley
“Heartbroken over the news of VEGAS. My thoughts with all the innocent victims and their families.” – Shania Twain
“Words can’t begin explain my sadness. My family and I are praying for the victims of this tragedy. Truly heartbroken.” – Luke Bryan
“My heart. [ROUTE 91 HARVEST].” – Miranda Lambert
“Just hearing about VEGAS. Noooooooo. Heartbroken for VEGAS [and] the Country community. Numbingly terrifying. Wtf.” – Kacey Musgraves
“Wow. Y’all join me in praying for VEGAS [right now].” – Scotty McCreery
“My deepest sympathies and prayers to anyone [who] has been affected by the VEGAS shooting last night. I don’t even know anymore… Why?” – Blake Shelton
“Speechless and sick to my stomach and heartbroken over VEGAS. Praying, praying, praying for all the victims and their families. GOD bless.” – Brian Kelly (Florida Georgia Line)
“One year ago, we played ROUTE 91 on SUNDAY night. Our prayers are with all the first responders, artists, crew, and mostly, the Country fans.” – Little Big Town
12:10 – Both Sony Music Nashville and BBR Music Group, which both had multiple performers at the festival, say all of their performers and crew are safe and accounted for according to The Tennessean.
Due to the orientation of the stage, where much of the crew and performers were was probably better shielded from the gunfire.
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12:08 – Nashville Mayor Meghan Barry has announced there will be a vigil Monday night at the Ascend Amphitheater. “An unimaginable scene of terror has shocked and saddened our nation. This tragedy hits especially close to home as so many of the artists and crew represented at this music festival are Nashvillians seeking to entertain and bring joy to country music fans around the world,” Barry said. “My heart goes out to the friends and family members of the victims of this deadly shooting, and we pray for a speedy recovering of those injured.”
12:05 – A victims fund has been set up via Go Fund Me, with $625,000 raised in just under four hours.
12:00 – More raw footage from the shooting, taken by a fan. WARNING: Could be disturbing to some viewers.
11:56 – Flags at The White House and other government buildings are being ordered to half staff.
11:54 – More information on the suspect Stephen Paddock: He was an accountant, and had no kids. His ex-wife is being interviewed by police.
11:52 – At the moment, there is no confirmed information on any of the performers or their crews being injured or killed in the shooting, however the identification of the victims is still very preliminary.
11:50 – The Josh Abbott Band performed at the festival, and was staying at the Mandalay Bay. “Everyone in JAB is accounted for. They evacuated us from Mandalay. My fiancée is still in room. They won’t let me in but she’s safe,” Josh Abbott tweeted out Sunday night after the shooting has ceased. About an hour ago, he gave some further updates. ” I got back to Taylor & our room in Mandalay about 30 minutes ago. The rest of the band & crew are home now. Was a long awful night. I’ll never unhear those gunshots; and our band & crew will never forget how that moment made them feel. Our hearts are with all the victims.”
11:45 – Some of the many outpourings from artists.
My heart is heavy today. The tragedy in Las Vegas last night is hitting way too close to home. My thoughts & prayers are with those impacted – Tracy Lawrence
I’m thankful many of my brothers & sisters in the business are safe but my heart is broken for those killed/injured in the Vegas shooting. – Josh Turner
What a truly awful thing. It simply shouldn’t be that easy to hurt that many people. – Jason Isbell
My heart goes out to all of our friends, jasonaldean, our music family and fans in Las Vegas.… – Reba McEntire
Woke up to such horrible news. We are praying for the victims and their families. May the Lord bring some comfort to them. – Carrie Underwood
Stilled and speechless… Our hearts and prayers are with everyone involved and affected. – Keith Urban
11:36 – Raw audio as police respond to the shooting:
11:31 – Orientation of the Harvest 81 Festival site.
11:28 – Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval addressing the shooting. “It’s unimaginable what people are going through right now. We have to rely on our faith at a time like this.”
11:21 – Raw footage of the brother of Stephen Paddock, 55-year-old Eric Paddock, speaking to the media. He says he’s been speaking with authorities in Las Vegas all morning.
11:20 – Local authorities are saying the greatest need, especially in the Las Vegas area is donations of blood.
11:15 – Police say the suspect Stephen Paddock broke out a window on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Casino with a “hammer-like” device. Early reports are that the 10 guns found in the hotel room were all purchased legally. At the moment, there are no known ties to terrorism or extremist groups, but police are still early in their investigation.
11:12 – Stephen Paddock bought a home in Mesquite, Nevada in January 2015 for $369,000. It is roughly 80 miles from Las Vegas. His girlfriend, Marilou Danley, who was once considered a person of interest in the shooting investigation, lived with Paddock in the 2,018-square-foot home according to records.
11:08 – The brother of the shooter, 55-year-old Eric Paddock, spoke to the Las Vegas Review Journal Monday morning, saying in part, ““We have no idea how this happened. It’s like an asteroid just fell on top of our family. There is no reason we can imagine why Stephen would do something like this. All we can do is send our condolences to the people who died. Just no reason, no warning. As far as we knew, he had enough money to live the rest of his life in comfort. We’re lost. We don’t get it. This is like someone else did this. He might have had a gun or two, but he didn’t have a huge stock of guns.”
10:57 – Jason Aldean was the headliner at the final day of the three-day festival, and was on stage when the shooting began.
In a post on Instagram after the attack, Aldean wrote, “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”
There is video showing Jason Aldean performing “When She Says Baby” as the attack started
Insane…. this JUST happened. #PrayForVegas pic.twitter.com/RWgjFW7BHy
— Luke Broadlick (@LukeBroadlick) October 2, 2017
10:51 – Information on the festival:
This was the fourth year for the Route 91 Harvest Festival, an open-air festival held at Las Vegas Village at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. Attendance last year was around 25,000. The festival was sold out. The festival is organized by Live Nation and tour promoter Brian O’Connell, who also produces country festivals Watershed in Washington, Faster Horses in Michigan, Lake Shake in Chicago and Farmborough in New York City.
Following the shooting, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino tweeted, “Our hearts are with the victims in Las Vegas, their families and loved ones who are grieving this morning.” (info from NPR).
10:46 – Jake Owen, who was performing at the festival, recounts his experience, “I was on the stage. I had just walked up on the stage with a couple friends of mine, including Luke Combs, another artist who had played earlier, and we were literally standing 50 feet from where Jason was on stage, and all of a sudden, you heard what sounded – it was kind of a think where you were like, ‘Was that gunfire?’ – and it got faster and faster, almost like it was an automatic rifle,” he said. “You could hear it ringing off the rafters off the top of the stage. That’s when you saw people fleeing. At that point, people on stage just started running everywhere possible. And it was pretty chaotic, for sure.”
10:45 – President Trump has spoken on the matter, saying in part: “We cannot fathom their pain, we cannot imagine their loss,” Trump said of those who lost loved ones in the massacre. In times such as these I know we are searching for some kind of meaning in the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness. The answers do not come easy. But we can take solace knowing that even the darkest space can be brightened by a single light, and even the most terrible despair can be illuminated by a single ray of hope.”
October 2, 2017 @ 8:51 am
I don’t know Trigger–you may want to preemptively disable comments on this one.
I’m feeling a lot of sadness and anger myself here. Thoughts go out to all involved. Hope we can respond in a constructive way.
October 2, 2017 @ 8:55 am
Yeah, I’m in agreement with you here Charlie. I think it would be best to see comments shut down because I see it descending into awfulness very, very quickly.
October 2, 2017 @ 8:57 am
Comments will be heavily moderated, and if it becomes appropriate, I will disable comments. Thanks for the concern.
October 2, 2017 @ 8:56 am
Disgusting. Disgusting.
October 2, 2017 @ 8:58 am
Having a hard time figuring out what the motivation could possibly be. Just crazy. I had family there.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:01 am
I agree about the comments. Just wanted to add that there were a lot of Nashville and Texas folks there from the industry. They seem to all be safe for now. God help us all.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:04 am
Makes zero sense what motivates such senseless murder? Damn shame!
October 2, 2017 @ 9:07 am
Prayers to the victims. Survivor stories are terrifying. You never think about how the security meant to keep people out, makes it so difficult to escape quickly in an emergency. The number of dead and injured is unfathomable.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:08 am
Terrible tragedy. Feel so bad for all the people caught up in this senseless act of terrorism.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:15 am
Aldean is getting a lot of shit on his social media accounts (presumably by his own fans) for fleeing and not issuing any kind warning and for his lack of response directly after the shooting.
As for fleeing the stage, he probably had no idea what was going on. He probably heard “run” in his earpiece and fled. I think turning up the house/flood lights were more harmful in retrospect than any warning Aldean didn’t issue. No one could imagine the shooter was perched on the 32nd floor.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:23 am
Exactly. He was probably told to run or something like that in his feed. I’m sorry he’s getting grief for this when he already feels terrible enough, I’m sure.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:51 am
If I were a big celeb like him, I’d assume *I* was the target!! Nothing he could have done
October 2, 2017 @ 10:06 am
I don’t fault him at all. Easy to point fingers at someone when you are not the one facing live rounds. I’d run like hell too.
October 2, 2017 @ 10:42 am
He’s a music artist. He’s not security, he’s not a police officer, hes not on a SWAT team. He’s a regular person like any of the people there – he just happened to be a regular person standing in front of another 30,000 with a guitar, being fired on just as they were. Yeah, the people were all there to see him – but I don’t see why that would put him under any obligation to not turn and run as fast as he could as well. I haven’t come across it yet on social media, but its really sad if people don’t realize that. And like him or not… its really sad to put that on him.
October 2, 2017 @ 11:09 am
Exactly. If I was up there singing I would’ve freaked the heck out and try to get to safety, shit I mightve also wondered if I was targeted for some reason too like one of the posters above.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:17 am
This is incredibly sad. A friend of my from college was one of those that were killed. Live in a small town in West Tennessee. It’s amazing how this shit affects different people from everywhere. The shooter was an evil, evil person.
May all those that lost their lives Rest In Peace.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:18 am
Heartbreaking news, thoughts and prayers for the folks in Vegas. It’s overwhelming to think of the grief and tragedy here. May God’s comfort and grace be abundantly present.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:19 am
Such a tragedy. There are no words for this.
FYI – Country Aircheck is updating its frontpage with a list of confirmed industry and artists who are safe, for those wondering.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:20 am
SCM fan from France here, and I’m so horrified. Obviously this has happened in my country too, and I just wish it would stop. Words cannot say how sorry I am. Lots of thoughts.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:23 am
What a world we are living in.. Cannot imagine the pain family members are going through.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:31 am
This is so terrible. It sure shows how the squabbles here is so small. I hope no one reading this ever has to go through something like this.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:43 am
Folks, all comments dealing with politics will be deleted on this thread. Not the time or place.
Thanks for your understanding.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:44 am
Absolutely terrible events, and a cowardly end to a horrific, cowardly act. I pray that those who lost loved ones come to know all the love and support their neighbors can muster. As for those already politicizing this issue, KNOCK IT OFF. We all should know by now what the actual laws are, so how about putting the focus on where it needs to be, which is on love, support, and real fact-finding about the evildoer’s motives. At a country music festival, no less. I don’t much like Jason Aldean’s music, but today he’s a brother to me and to us all, as are all those who were in that audience and suffered.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:46 am
Thoughts and prayers from across the pond to all those affected by this tragedy. I’m not going to get into the gun control debate right now as it’s not my place, but I hope there can be lessons learnt somehow from abhorrent acts like this. An utterly, utterly senseless act of violence.
October 2, 2017 @ 9:47 am
Such a horrible, inexplicable tragedy. Thoughts and prayers to those killed, injured and their loved ones.
October 2, 2017 @ 10:08 am
I just wonder what the fuck this guy’s motivation was. Was this an act of terrorism? If so, what was the ideology that motivated him. Was this some sort of mental break, similar to the UT clocktower sniper, Charles Whitman, who was found to have a brain tumor that is believed to have caused his violent impulses?
October 2, 2017 @ 10:28 am
I hate to speculate because enough people are doing that, but it does seem to have been some kind of breakdown. It’s a discussion for another time and place but mental health is at the heart of a lot of these mass shootings it seems.
October 2, 2017 @ 10:21 am
i have nothing good to say about any of this so ill just leave it at RIP.
October 2, 2017 @ 10:36 am
They keep showing the busted-out windows on the 32nd floor of the Madalay. Don’t those windows look too far apart to be the same room/suite?
October 2, 2017 @ 11:22 am
No. Nicer hotel rooms often have a bedroom and then a sitting room. Could even have adjoining suites.
October 2, 2017 @ 4:00 pm
I’m used to $32 Knights Inn rooms.
October 2, 2017 @ 10:46 am
I can’t help but lean toward the conspiracy theories going around. Nothing is making any sense the more details we get about the suspected shooter. The guy apparently enjoyed country music? Wasn’t big on guns…So..? He was found already dead when the SWAT team came busting in. Possible cover up? Was he the decoy?
“He’s not an avid gun guy at all. The fact that he had those kind of weapons is just – where the hell did he get automatic weapons? He has no military background or anything like that. He’s just a guy who lived in a house in Mesquite, drove down and gambled in Las Vegas. He did stuff. Ate burritos.” -Brother
October 2, 2017 @ 10:53 am
What a jerk. So sad for all the families of the dead. We can’t even go to a music festival now without some nutter shooting random people.
October 2, 2017 @ 11:09 am
My heart goes out to the everyone affected by this tragedy. This world has gone completely mad. I don’t get it. ????
October 2, 2017 @ 11:41 am
The whole thing doesn’t make any sense on so many levels… Thanks for this post, it’s more coherent and comprehensive than I’ve seen in most other places.
October 2, 2017 @ 12:02 pm
First and foremost, thoughts and prayers to out to everyone involved. A sad day for country music and the country alike.
Thank you Trigger for the updates and reaction. FYI I did notice you have the same quote/reaction attributed to Thomas Rhett and Brett Eldredge. I’m guessing one of those is a mistake?
October 2, 2017 @ 12:07 pm
Not coming from the left or the right on this one, but I’m all out of “Thoughts and Prayers” on this issue.
October 2, 2017 @ 12:13 pm
I have no idea why someone would do this… I guess we will just have to wait until more facts come out…
October 2, 2017 @ 12:58 pm
A theory you probably should have kept to yourself.
October 2, 2017 @ 12:17 pm
I’m glad to have a place to talk about this where people are being civil and thoughtful. Facebook is kind of a hot mess right now.
October 2, 2017 @ 12:48 pm
I dont read facebook anymore, but why is it a hot mess? Almost nothing is known at the moment.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:01 pm
That has never stopped people from screaming at each other on Facebook.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:56 pm
Exactly. No one knows much but everyone has an opinion. I need social media for my job, but it has its downsides. Totally agree about the critical thinking comment.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:25 pm
Facebook is terrible, as is virtually every other social media platform. It has played a part in the American public’s lack of critical thinking skills. America’s lack of critical thinking skills are a big reason this country is in the shape it is in. We no longer value reason, common sense, or education. All we value is how many Facebook friends we have or what social media presence one has. I refuse to support Facebook as long as Mark Zuckerberg is in charge. The man is evil and refuses to acknowledge the damage his terrible corporation has inflicted on the intelligence of Americans.
Plus, the sooner Americans wake up and think about all the data Google and Facebook collect in return for “free services”, the better. Facebook knows everything about their users, giving them a level of power that is scary–to say the least.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:56 pm
Facebook was going to happen even without Zuckerberg. He just copied what was already out there and had the money and contacts to make it a global enterprise.
October 2, 2017 @ 5:02 pm
True, but Zuckerberg has proven himself to be ineffectual leader. He has repeatedly denied that Facebook is a media/news company, when there is evidence that a large chunk of Americans get their news solely from Facebook now. Yes, Americans need to be blamed for being stupid and falling for obviously fake news, but Zuck hasn’t done any favors by refusing to regulate what is put on Facebook even though he has that power. Zuckerberg has basically shown time and again that while he might have hit it big with Facebook, he is a terrible, terrible corporate leader.
October 2, 2017 @ 2:50 pm
I don’t blame Zuck to be honest. He’s just giving people a space to act horribly. If people were civil deep down there would be no issue with facebook. He’s just making money off of it. The best thing to do is ignore it. Plus the comments are so easily manipulated… any entity could easy influence public opinion with paid comments.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:02 pm
And Tom Petty just died, too.
Fuck everything.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:04 pm
This is a terror attack, it just has nothing to do with isis. My thoughts are with everyone impacted, by this and every other tragedy of this type.
At some point though, thoughts are meaningless without action.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:19 pm
Actually, reports are coming out that ISIS has claimed responsibility. Saying this guy converted a few months ago.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:29 pm
That has proven to be false. Every intelligence agency in the U.S. Government has said this guy was not acting on behalf of ISIS. Nor is there any indication he converted to Islam.
ISIS claims responsibility for virtually every terrible thing that happen in the world because they feed off paranoia and fear. If Kool-Aid man came to life and crushed a bunch of kids when he crashed through a wall, ISIS would claim responsibility.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:36 pm
What mike said, also converting to Islam & joining isis are very separate things.
October 2, 2017 @ 1:54 pm
They may be separate to you, but they’re not separate to ISIS.
October 2, 2017 @ 2:11 pm
ISIS affiliates did claim responsibility. So far, there are NO credible links to the incident to ISIS at the moment. Let’s wait for the info to come out, and be cordial to one another in our discussions on this matter.
PS Honky (and others): Many other politically-oriented and divisive comments have been deleted here, including a slew of new ones just moments ago. Obviously there is a lot of news going on today so I can’t always act immediately. I would really appreciate if everyone could respect this comments section by refusing to engage in ANY polarizing subjects. Otherwise, comments will be frozen.
October 2, 2017 @ 3:24 pm
I feel that it’s too early to determine if this is terrorism, or just a terribly disturbed man lashing out on the world. To call the man a terrorist, would suggest that his actions had some political or religious (or both) motivation, but that hasn’t been determined as of yet. For instance, that kid that shot up the black church in Charleston a few years back is undoubtedly a terrorist, but I don’t consider the guy that shot up the movie theater in Aurora, Colorado to be one, since he had no real agenda.
October 2, 2017 @ 2:24 pm
His brother adamantly suggesting it isn’t politics or religion sure makes one speculate on mental illness. It seems like those three cover the gamut for adult mass shooters. What a drag.
October 2, 2017 @ 2:28 pm
This is tragic beyond belief.
I can’t help but think of all of the innocent people affected by this horror.
I remember when the shooter’s father was on the FBI 10 Most Wanted List back from when i was you and always on the lookout for the people on the list.
Prayers for everyone affected by all of this.
Good job keeping this about the tragedy, Trig.
October 2, 2017 @ 2:54 pm
horrible tragedy I am speechless.
October 2, 2017 @ 3:23 pm
Why do I have to be the one to bring up the correlation between the unspeakable correlation between bro country and murderous rage that is often emoted from the commenters on this site? What if the shooter had a handle here and decided to actually do something about the unspeakable passions motivativating the singers and fans? I love you all, please stay safe. Don’t take things as far as the shooter as far as being the change he wanted to see in the world. From now on, can we please a more peaceful approach to solving the problems that bro country brings into our lives?
October 2, 2017 @ 4:24 pm
First of Ginger, there has been no bigger muckraker in these comments sections over the last couple of months than you. I’m glad you finally found religion and have decided to your your voice to moralize, but before you send the fuzzy eyeball of judgement upon someone else, perhaps you should first train it on yourself.
Don’t think it didn’t pass through my mind as all this was unfolding that the incident could somehow, however loosely, be tied to the anti pop country music sentiment that is found on this site and others. But as we know from reports, the suspect was actually a fan of the type of music played at the festival, which makes this tragedy all the more quizzical.
Despite all the heavy rhetoric used here, I have always made sure to stand up to violence, threats of violence, inflammatory language, and other hate speech that I agree is a shame to see in these comment sections, and comments sections all across the internet, all too often. I myself have been the recipient of death threats, death “promises,” as well as have my family. ANY threat of violence towards another due to musical differences should always be dealt with head on, and unfortunately many of my colleagues in country music media refused to do so when I was receiving death promises in plain sight. When Shooter Jennings released a song called “The Gunslinger,” I came out in vehement opposition to anyone using any kind of violent language against anyone, and was laughed at and called a “pussy” for doing so.
I strongly believe in harsh criticism, and the importance of sarcasm and humor to help illustrate points of view. But anyone, ANYONE you uses abject hate against another is not welcome here. “Saving” Country Music has under 40,000 likes on Facebook. We “Hate” Pop Country has over 775,000. Hate has a powerful draw on people, much more powerful than trying to save something. But let’s not conflate criticism, however strong, and sarcasm, with stimulating people to act violently.
October 2, 2017 @ 5:07 pm
Very appalled to learn of the death threats made to you over music opinions of all things. But that just goes to show the passionate expression of country music fans. It’s the ultimate understatement to say if a death threat is involved that, people certainly do take things personally. That not withstanding, the shooter being a fan of bro country of course has to be in question. Being a fan of a song, dancing around and singing along for years, only to learn, from sites like these, that the lyrics have second and third (what can be considered by many) distasteful interpretations, then having them confirmed, could lead to a seriously distressed disillusionment. Which then could lead to violence.
October 2, 2017 @ 8:10 pm
Ginger, you’re making an incredibly presumptuous leap of faith here that I don’t feel is very fair. Is it possible that the gunman had some beef against pop country? Sure, I guess. Is it possible that beef was elevated by SCM or its comments? That seems incredibly unprobable. The only one responsible is the guy behind the gun. Yes, other tertiary things can come into play , but I’m not going to be taking any responsibility for the actions of a homicidal maniac on the outside possibility that maybe he was a pissed off reader/commenter. The FBI hasn’t contacted me yet, running down a motive.
October 2, 2017 @ 4:49 pm
Seriously, what a pile of nonsense. People have been debating the pros and cons of pop culture since forever without feeling the need to start blindly shooting people.
October 2, 2017 @ 3:26 pm
This is a horrible tragedy, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. It’s a really weird world we live in this day and age. A music concert should be a place to let go of everything that’s going on in the world for a few hours and people of all walks of life to come together and laugh and enjoy themselves together, not to get murdered. What a shame.
October 2, 2017 @ 11:52 pm
Horrible tragedy. What a complete waste of breath Paddock was. Should have hung from a rope rather than taken the easy way out.
October 3, 2017 @ 4:15 am
I guess none of us know why this man did what he did. But I’m exhausted from the hate and anger and negativity. Everywhere. There has to be a better way for people to disagree. Why does it seem like it’s taking bigger and bigger catastrophes for us to remember we’re on the same team
October 19, 2017 @ 11:28 pm
It’s a tragedy and I don’t understand what they’re doing. I pray for the victims and the families of them.