Country music stars mourn the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, and share firsthand accounts

Carrie Wittmer

Oct 2, 2017, 19:14 IST

Country music stars mourn the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, and share firsthand accounts

Rick Diamond/ Getty Images

Jason Aldean was performing when the shooting took place.

On Sunday night, the deadliest shooting in modern US history occurred at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival on the Las Vegas strip. At least 50 people are dead, with over 400 injured.

The gunman, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, opened fire on concert-goers from his room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. He was found dead by authorities.

During the shooting, country singer Jason Aldean and his band were on stage. Aldean has confirmed that he and everyone who was on stage is safe. Some other artists performing at Route 91 Harvest were Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Jake Owen (who performed right before Aldean), Maren Morris, and Brooks & Dunn.

Following the shooting, country music stars took to social media in support of the victims, and some who were at the festival tweeted their accounts of the mass shooting:

Aldean shared a heartfelt message on Instagram early Monday morning:

Woke up to such horrible news. We are praying for the victims and their families. May the Lord bring some comfort to them.
- Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) October 2, 2017

Hearts out to Vegas. Route 91 concert, stage I played two nights ago. Musicians, fans, workers, you are all in our prayers right now..
- Lee Brice (@leebrice) 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

Played Route 91 in Vegas the night before last. We were all singing. I'm in shock over this. Heartbroken for all those lives taken too soon.
- MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) October 2, 2017

Words can't begin explain my sadness. My family and I are praying for the victims of this tragedy. Truly heartbroken.
- Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) October 2, 2017

��my heart. @Route91Harvest.
- Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) October 2, 2017

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