Singer Christina Grimmie was tragically killed after her show in Orlando, Florida on Friday night. According to reports, she did not know the man who shot her.
How Christina Grimmie was killed
The 21-year-old man, whose name police did not release, travelled to The Plaza Live theater with two handguns on Friday night. He then walked up to Grimmie, who was signing autographs for fans after the show. Moments later he opened fire and shot and killed her at 10:30 p.m., according to police reports. Her brother immediately tackled the suspect and the man shot himself.
“There is no indication that they knew each other,” Mina said.
Christina Grimmie’s brother tried to save her life
Many people are calling Grimmie’s brother a hero because the killer had two loaded magazines and a large hunting knife on him, the chief said.
Grimmie became extremely popular after appearing on NBC’s The Voice. She was in Orlando to open for Before You Exit, a local band.
The killer targeted Christina Grimmie
According to the Orlando Sentinel, the man planned, targeted and had intentions of killing Grimmie. The man traveled from another city to Orlando to kill the former NBC The Voice contestant.
“[It is] unknown what his plans were for after killing Christina, but very heroic actions by Marcus Grimmie to jump in could have prevented loss of life there,” said Mina.
Nobody else was hurt or injured
About 120 people were in the theater when the shooting took place and no one else was hurt. It’s important to point out that the venue did not feature any metal detectors and only had unarmed security guards to check for weapons. However, it is not known how the man entered the venue with so many weapons.
“I think it’s important to note the type of crowd that attends this,” said Mina. “We’re talking about young kids. This isn’t a crowd that you would expect would be carrying a gun to a venue like this.”
Donations are currently being collected through a GoFundMe page, which started at the request of Grimmie’s management team.
“Christina Grimmie was such a gift to this world and loved by many,” reads the website. “Unparalleled [sic] was the love from her parents and brother who moved across the country to support their daughter in achieving her musical dreams. We would love for the family to be able to take the proper time to grieve.”
The GoFundMe’s page is currently looking to raise $4,0000 but, has received well over $10,000 in donations.
Christina Grimmie opened for Before You Exit
The group, Before You Exit, posted a formal statement on their Twitter account after police confirmed Grimmie’s death.
“Christina was such a loving, caring, beautiful person with the biggest heart,” reads the statement. “She was an absolutely incredible musician and an even better friend. We are so saddened by her passing and are completely heartbroken.”
Before You Exit describes Grimmie as a “constant beam of light and energy into the hearts of everyone around her.”
All other shows are canceled
The Plaza Live canceled the expected Kidz Bop concert that was scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon, and ticket holders can receive refunds at the point of purchase. “The board and staff at the Plaza Live Venue are deeply saddened by the tragic events of Friday evening,” reads the statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost as well as those that witnessed and aided in the recovery after this senseless act.”
Via Orlando Sentinel
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