Wednesday’s (Nov. 8) mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, Calif. leaves the country music community in a state of mourning.
Many artists including Cassadee Pope, LeAnn Rimes, John Rich and Morgan Wallen have expressed their sympathies for the victims and their families on social media as artists did following 2017’s Route 91 Harvest Festival.
President Donald Trump supported those affected and the local emergency response teams via Twitter.
I have been fully briefed on the terrible shooting in California. Law Enforcement and First Responders, together with the FBI, are on scene. 13 people, at this time, have been reported dead. Likewise, the shooter is dead, along with the first police officer to enter the bar….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2018
….Great bravery shown by police. California Highway Patrol was on scene within 3 minutes, with first officer to enter shot numerous times. That Sheriff’s Sergeant died in the hospital. God bless all of the victims and families of the victims. Thank you to Law Enforcement.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2018
He also issued a proclamation on Thursday (Nov. 8) ordering flags be flown at half-staff in remembrance of those who died.
Actress Tamera Mowry-Housley and husband Adam Housley are among those affected by the tragedy. On Thursday afternoon (Nov. 8), they confirmed their niece Alaina died as a result of the shooting. Beforehand, her suitemate said on Twitter a handful of girls in her residence hall had gone to the Borderline, and Alaina was the only one not accounted for.
My suitemate is still missing, she is wearing denim shorts, a blue flannel and sneakers, pls let me know if you know anything #Borderline pic.twitter.com/t1nUHneChW
— Ashley (@amowreader) November 8, 2018
Aubrie Sellers, one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, also had plans to go to the Borderline on Wednesday.
My heart is broken waking up to the Borderline news. Another instance where people get together to have fun, ruined by a senseless act of violence.
— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) November 8, 2018
I’m saddened to wake up & hear that more innocent lives were taken last night in Thousand Oaks. It’s horrible and it feels like just yesterday when I was playing a show there. Sending prayers to everyone there, the families, and those all over the world affected by gun violence. pic.twitter.com/hT9qAdn9uP
— Julie Roberts (@TheJulieRoberts) November 8, 2018
Waking up in NYC to the terrible news in California that 12 were killed in a country bar last night. 1 officer killed in the line of duty as he ran toward the shooter to save lives. Join me in asking the Holy Spirit to pull those families close this morning. #Californiashooting
— John Rich (@johnrich) November 8, 2018
Just seeing the news of the shooting in Thousand Oaks last night. I am heart broken for the victims and their families. This one hits way too close to home. My heart is with everyone effected by this horrible tragedy. #ThousandOaks #BorderLineShooting
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) November 8, 2018