I woke up this morning and did what I always do before getting ready for work…I checked my social media. The first post I saw was from a friend of mine who wrote, “Deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. I am speechless.” I echoed that statement and had to take a moment before looking up details.
The headlines read, “50+ dead, 400+ injured in Las Vegas at Route 91 Music Festival.”
This is devastating. Absolutely heartbreaking. As someone who would be lost without music, I can not fathom the idea that thousands of fans who feel the same way gathered at a live show last night, not knowing that someone would rob them of that happy, carefree experience of being surrounded by people who shared that same passion for music. I can not fathom the idea that these artists have to fear not only being a potential victim at their own show, but having to watch thousands of fans scramble for safety. I can not fathom the idea that younger generations are being robbed of these experiences and, instead, are replacing them with the fear of being in a public setting with no metal detectors.
How many more shootings have to take place? How many more innocent lives have to be lost? How many families have to grieve for their loved ones because of a faulty gun law system in this country? That man had no reason to carry multiple automatic weapons and the amount of ammo he had in that hotel room. No one has a reason for that.
Our freedom, and the freedom of our children, is being threatened and it’s saddening.
Now more than ever, we need to be kind to people. We need to pay attention to the details. If you, or someone you know, is hurting, speak up. There are people who are willing to help you. If you’ve decided to end your own life, don’t take the lives of others with you. Suicide is not the answer, but neither is mass murder. Be the change we need in this world we’re all sharing.
I didn’t know anyone at the festival this past weekend, but it could’ve easily happened at any of the countless live shows I’ve taken my niece to. That’s a scary, infuriating thought.
My thoughts are with all of the victims and their families. I hope things change sooner rather than later.
According to Kristin 