Family, friends and fans are mourning the death of The Voice alum Christina Grimmie, who was killed in a fatal shooting following her show in Orlando last night. The 22-year-old singer, who placed third on the show’s sixth season, was apparently shot in a premeditated attack by a 21-year-old man who traveled to Orlando to carry out the shooting. After being tackled by Grimmie’s brother, the man, whose name police plan to release later today, shot and killed himself.
People are still reacting with shock to last night’s events, which took place while Grimmie was signing autographs and taking photos with fans after the show, in which she performed with the band Before You Exit. Adam Levine, who coached the young singer while she was on the show, took the news particularly hard.
The singer’s publicist released a statement to E! News, saying, “She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn’t survive the gun shot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning. If you’d like to give back to Christina’s family in her memory, please consider donating to the family’s GoFundMe page in their time of need.”
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said that investigators are still looking for a motive, and are going through the shooter’s computer, phone and other items to determine what prompted him to commit such a crime. It appears that the man was planning on getting away with the shooting, as he had made travel plans to return home. He arrived to the Plaza Live Theater where Grimmie was performing with two handguns, two loaded magazines and a hunting knife.
Meanwhile, celebrities and fans have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts.
So sad about @TheRealGrimmie. I’m still in shock. She was special. Had IT. Talented. Kind. Funny. Loving. Courageous. We hurt w her family.
— Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) June 11, 2016
I’m stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl… Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind.
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) June 11, 2016
My heart is absolutely broken. I miss you Christina pic.twitter.com/KWGwZZlj4t
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) June 11, 2016
But her supporters weren’t the only ones posting to social media—this morning, a heartbreaking tweet went out to Grimmie’s followers, which her team has revealed was the result of a senseless hacking of her Twitter account. “The end,” the tweet—which has since been deleted—read.
We are disgusted with this act of violence and our thoughts are with Grimmie’s family and all those affected.