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Country singer Jason Aldean was performing at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on Sunday night when a gunman, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, started raining down bullets on the crowd from his perch on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
ABC News now reports that at least 50 people have died and the number of injured has risen to 400.
People duck for cover as dozens of gunshots ring out at Las Vegas concert; at least 50 dead, 400 injured. https://t.co/S5591vlvwH pic.twitter.com/5yksAlGgqW
— ABC News (@ABC) October 2, 2017
Aldean was reportedly rushed off the stage when the shooting began and stated that he and everyone on his crew were uninjured in an Instagram he posted following what is now the deadliest in American history, surpassing Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub shooting which took place less than a year and a half ago.
Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont 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
Aldean was far from the only entertainer to issue a statement in the aftermath of the horror in Vegas. Jake Owen, who performed just before Aldean went on stage, also issued a response.
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
Chris Young, who was in attendance at the festival, had this to say…
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
I'm not gonna say anything else other than I'm lucky to be alive. As are many others… and so many people are gone… this is heartbreaking
— ChrisYoungMusic (@ChrisYoungMusic) October 2, 2017
While numerous others in and around the music business also expressed their emotions following the deadly attack…
Praying for everyone at #HarvestFestival. There are no words right now that suffice.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) 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
Woke up to the heartbreaking news from Las Vegas, my thoughts are with everyone and their families. Love. H
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) October 2, 2017
Thoughts are with the victims and families of this terrible tragedy in Vegas .
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) October 2, 2017
Praying for all the innocent victims and their families in Las Vegas – Céline xx… #LasVegas
— Celine Dion (@celinedion) October 2, 2017
Devastated waking up to the news of the shooting in Las Vegas. Praying for the victims and their families and friends. #PRAYERSFORVEGAS
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) 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
— TreySongz.eth (@TreySongz) October 2, 2017
Hearing crazy news coming out of my hometown… Las Vegas, please, stay safe.
— NE-YO (@NeYoCompound) October 2, 2017
I have no words…….completely heartbroken. Vegas my heart is with you…… #PrayForVegas
— Sofia Carson (@SofiaCarson) October 2, 2017
The news from Las Vegas is heartbreaking. Devastating.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) 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
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 (@KelseaBallerini) October 2, 2017
💔my heart. @Route91Harvest.
— Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) October 2, 2017
The news about Vegas is devastating. Sending all our love to the people there right now ❤️❤️❤️
— HAIM (@HAIMtheband) October 2, 2017
Lord help us
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) October 2, 2017
As well as a couple of former US Presidents along with President Trump…
Thinking of the victims and responders in Las Vegas. This should be unimaginable in America.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) October 2, 2017
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
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
Authorities have asked families trying locate missing loved ones to please call 1-866-535-5654.