Rihanna, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, & J.Lo React to Las Vegas Shooting
Celebrities are responding to the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas, which left at least 58 people dead and more than 500 injured on Sunday (Oct. 1), in what has been called the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
The gunman, who’s been identified by police as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock of Mesquite, Nev., opened fire on a crowd of people who were gathered at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in the middle of country star Jason Aldean’s set.
Police found a deceased Paddock in his hotel room, where he also had at least 10 rifles. Officials believe that he killed himself prior to their arrival. He had no significant criminal history, according to The New York Times.
Despite initial speculations of multiple shooters, Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said that the Las Vegas Police Department believes Paddock was “a sole actor, a lone wolf-type actor.” The description has been criticized by many, including several stars, who believe this should be called an act of terrorism.
“My heart is breaking for Las Vegas,” tweeted Ariana Grande. “We need love, unity, peace, gun control & for people to look at this & call this what it is = terrorism.”
“This is terrorism plain and simple,” Lady Gaga also tweeted. “Terror bares no race, gender or religion. Democrats & Republicans please unite now #guncontrol.”
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/914886991459651589
This is terrorism plain and simple. Terror bares no race, gender or religion. Democrats & Republicans please unite now #guncontrol 🇺🇸
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) October 2, 2017
Other stars also called this an act of terrorism, while mourning the lives that were lost in the heinous act. “Devastating – prayers to those affected by the senseless act of domestic terrorism in Las Vegas. My heart goes out to each of you,” tweeted Kelly Rowland.
“Saying a prayer for all the victims & their loved ones, also for the residents & visitors of Las Vegas,” wrote Rihanna. “This was a horrific act of terror!!”
Zendaya added: “There’s nothing I can tweet that will heal the heartache being felt today, but all my heart is with Las Vegas. This is domestic terrorism.”
Devastating – prayers to those affected by the senseless act of domestic terrorism in Las Vegas. My heart goes out to each of you. ❤️
— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) October 2, 2017
Saying a prayer for all the victims & their loved ones, also for the residents & visitors of Las Vegas! This was a horrific act of terror!!
— Rihanna (@rihanna) October 2, 2017
There's nothing I can tweet that will heal the heartache being felt today, but all my heart is with Las Vegas. This is domestic terrorism.
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) October 2, 2017
Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey, who’ve become Las Vegas ambassadors with residencies in the city, also offered their thoughts on the devastating event.
“Horrified to hear about the shooting in #LasVegas,” wrote Mariah. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Praying for everyone’s safety.”
“I ❤️ Las Vegas…feeling so broken this morning,” she wrote, before sharing the locations of blood donation centers in the city.
Blood donation centers below #LasVegas pic.twitter.com/O9InGWW3P9
— jlo (@JLo) 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
Several other stars shared their condolences and prayers in the wake of the tragic evening, including The Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Usher, Ciara, Fabolous, Monica, and Vic Mensa. See more thoughts and heartfelt messages from celebrities below.
Praying for our world and families affected by all these tragedies. My heart is broken from all that's happening. #HealTheWorld ❤️
— Ciara (@ciara) October 2, 2017
Waking up to this horrible news in Las Vegas is so heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were tragically involved
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) October 2, 2017
The news from Las Vegas is heartbreaking. Devastating.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) October 2, 2017
Sending Prayers to the families of those who lost their lives in Las Vegas during the horrific… https://t.co/1pwePJEowJ
— Monica (@MonicaDenise) October 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/VicMensa/status/914835664453193728
Sick to my stomach watching footage from Vegas 😢Sending my love and prayers ❤️❤️
— Karrueche Tran (@karrueche) October 2, 2017
🙏🏽 for Vegas.
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) October 2, 2017
Heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred in Las Vegas. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this senseless act of violence.
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) October 2, 2017
Lord help us
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) 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