Vigil Planned in Nashville for Route 91 Harvest Festival Victims
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. President / CEO Butch Spyridon have announced a vigil for the victims of the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting. The event will take place in Nashville on Monday night (Oct. 2) at 6PM.
Monday night's vigil will take place at Ascend Amphitheater. Free parking will be available at Nissan Stadium Lot R.
“Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in the tragic event in Las Vegas, especially the victims, their families and friends, and the fans, artists and crews from our country community in Vegas," a press release states. "This festival brought together people from all backgrounds united in enjoying life through music."
The joint statement from Barry, Trahern and Spyridon goes on to address the growing concerns about public safety at large events such as the three-day Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Nev., at which at least 58 people were killed and more than 500 people were injured. Nashville, of course, hosts a number of large events, including the CMA Music Festival, which takes place each June.
Country Stars Respond Following Route 91 Harvest Festival Shooting
“Safety at all of our events is and will remain our top priority. We are constantly adjusting our event security measures year-round, partnering and consulting with experts at the federal, state and local levels through our full-time security team and the Metro Police Department," the press release continues. "We will continue our efforts to provide the most comprehensive security possible.”
The shooting at the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival took place near the end of Jason Aldean's headlining set on Sunday night (Oct. 1). Other artists who performed at the event, which ran Sept. 29-Oct. 1, include Chris Young, Jake Owen, Sam Hunt, Eric Church, Maren Morris, the Brothers Osborne and Luke Combs.
Las Vegas police have identified 64-year-old Stephen Paddock as the suspect in the shooting; he is dead. In a televised statement on Monday, President Donald Trump praised Las Vegas police and first responders for their quick response to the shooting. Trump also ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims.
Remembering the Route 91 Harvest Festival Shooting Victims