More Vegas Shooting Stories
More stories are emerging from last night’s (10/1) tragedy in LAS VEGAS, where a shooter sprayed bullets at concert attendees of the ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL just off the strip, near the MANDALAY BAY RESORT and CASINO. As of early this afternoon (CT), the death toll has risen to 58, with more than 500 additional people reported as injured.
BEASLEY Country KCYE/LAS VEGAS morning personality MIKE WEST was on-site during JASON ALDEAN’s set when the shooting began. WEST, who was still emotional and, understandably, shook up over it, shared his experience with ALL ACCESS following his morning show. WEST and his station promo team were at the opposite end of the concert site when they heard three pops, then a rapid burst before a wave of people came running in their direction. “People were hiding in porta-potties; some were climbing the fence. I was in shock and didn’t know what to do, because nobody could see exactly where the shooting was coming from.” WEST did find a safe location, then pulled out his phone and got some dramatic video, which can be seen here.
Even as WEST was trying to process what he’d witnessed last night, he still had a morning show to do today (10/2). “We were trying to take as many calls as we could; one girl told us she was standing next to someone who was shot in the chest. We played as little music as possible and went commercial free all morning.” WEST had help from midday host PAUL KNIGHT, who had returned to the station late last night. “We have both been getting choked up on the air; I’m not holding anything back today. When I got on the air this morning, I didn’t know what to say.” WEST admitted, today was the most unique and emotional radio show he’s ever done in his career.
JAKE OWEN’s manager, KEITH GALE, talked to CUMULUS Country WIVK/KNOXVILLE morning teamers TONY & KRIS, telling the pair, “JAKE OWEN band and crew are safe, so is LUKE COMBS’ team.” GALE also shared what he saw and heard; listen here.
CUMULUS Country KATM/MODESTO morning show interviewed listener WILLIAM, who had won tickets from KATM. He described his experience, and was obviously emotional and deeply affected by the experience. He was at the show with his wife, who is seven months pregnant. WILLIAM describes his experience here.
CUMULUS MEDIA Country WWKI (HIT COUNTRY 100.5)I/KOKOMO, IN morning personalities NICK LIVINGSTON and SHERRY FOXX interviewed a listener who was near the stage during JASON ALDEAN’s set. TRAVIS, from MEXICO, IN, called with a first-hand account. He was 20 feet from ALDEAN, recalling the first group of people hit were 15 feet behind him. Listen for his recollections here.
Meanwhile, event organizers LIVE NATION issued this statement today: “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.”
This Article Was Originally Posted at www.allaccess.com