Aldean Issues Vegas Statement: “We Aren’t Democrats Or Republicans… We Are All Humans�

Jessica Nicholson • October 3, 2017 [print-me target="div.post-title, div.post-meta, div.post-body" do_not_print=".twitterLink, .sharedaddy, .jp-relatedposts, .fb-comments-title, .fb-comments-text, .fb-comments, .post-comments" tag="span" class="print-me-container"]

Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright

Jason Aldean released an emotional second response following the tragic shootings that occurred while he was onstage performing during the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on Sunday, Oct. 1.

“Over the last 24 hrs I have gone through lots of emotions. Scared, Anger, Heartache, Compassion and many others. I truely dont understand why a person would want to take the life of another. [sic],” Aldean posted via Instagram on Monday (Oct. 2).

“Something has changed in this country and in this world lately that is scary to see,” he continued. “This world is becoming the kind of place I am afraid to raise my children in. At the end of the day we aren’t Democrats or Republicans, Whites or Blacks, Men or Women. We are all humans and we are all Americans and its time to start acting like it and stand together as ONE! That is the only way we will ever get this Country to be better than it has ever been, but we have a long way to go and we have to start now. My heart aches for the victims and their families of this senseless act. I am so sorry for the hurt and pain everyone is feeling right now and there are no words I can say to take that pain away. Just know you all are in my heart and my prayers as we all go through this together. Time to come together and stop the hate!#stopthehate #prayforlasvegas”

Aldean was performing during the festival when a gunman, later identified as Stephen Paddock, opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. At least 59 people were killed and more than 500 wounded.

The entertainer first responded on Instagram shortly after the attacks, to reassure fans and friends that he and his crew members were safe.

“Tonight has been beyond horrific,” he posted on Sunday, Oct. 1. “I still dont [sic] 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

Over the last 24 hrs I have gone through lots of emotions. Scared, Anger, Heartache, Compassion and many others. I truely dont understand why a person would want to take the life of another. Something has changed in this country and in this world lately that is scary to see. This world is becoming the kind of place i am afraid to raise my children in. At the end of the day we arent Democrats or Republicans, Whites or Blacks, Men or Women. We are all humans and we are all Americans and its time to start acting like it and stand together as ONE! That is the only way we will ever get this Country to be better than it has ever been, but we have a long way to go and we have to start now. My heart aches for the Victims and their families of this Senseless act. I am so sorry for the hurt and pain everyone is feeling right now and there are no words i can say to to take that pain away. Just know u all are in my heart and my prayers as we all go through this together. Time to come together and stop the hate! #stopthehate #prayforlasvegas

A post shared by Jason Aldean (@jasonaldean) on Oct 2, 2017 at 8:57pm PDT

[fbcomments count="off" num="3" countmsg="Comments" width="100%"]

Category: Artist, Featured

About the Author

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

View Author Profile