Tragedy shattered the weekend Sunday evening after a lone gunman opened fire at an outdoor music festival in Las Vegas leaving at least 50 dead and more than 400 injured.
The suspect, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, was killed by Las Vegas police in his perch on the 32d floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported Monday.
On Twitter, celebrity reaction was swift, as the stars offered an outpouring of shock and grief.
Michelle & I are praying for the victims in Las Vegas. Our thoughts are with their families & everyone enduring another senseless tragedy.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 2, 2017
Pope Francis also issued a statement expressing his grief. “Deeply saddened to learn of the shooting in Las Vegas, Pope Francis sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless tragedy,” he said a message sent to the Roman Catholic bishop of the Nevada city.
I’m heartbroken. Hold your loved ones close. Kiss their eyelids. Hold their hand. Tell them you love them.
– Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 2, 2017
I won’t be going on @TODAYshow because of the awful events in Las Vegas. Inconceivable that such things are so common.
– Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) October 2, 2017
The news from Las Vegas is heartbreaking. Devastating.
– John Legend (@johnlegend) October 2, 2017
Woke up to the horrific news coming out of Las Vegas. Sending thoughts and prayers to the people affected. I’m heartbroken and in disbelief
– Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) October 2, 2017
I can’t believe what just happened in Las Vegas! What is our world coming to?! ???? My prayers go out to the victims & their families. ????
– Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) October 2, 2017
Thank you to the Las Vegas first responders, in the thick of the terrible shootings there. Your actions helped save lives tonight.
– George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 2, 2017
Thoughts and prayers are with the people at Mandalay Bay in Vegas right now.
– Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) October 2, 2017
My Las Vegas friends please stay safe, stay indoors. This is ongoing and looks already to be quite tragic.
– josh groban (@joshgroban) October 2, 2017
Vegas keep safe. I’m so sorry for what is happening right now. It is horrific just to see the videos.. I can’t imagine what you are feeling.
— Ruby Rose (@RubyRose) October 2, 2017
In addition, a number of other performers from the three-day Route 91 Harvest festival also took to Twitter to express their condolences and disgust at the violence.
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
This world is sick ???”
– Kane Brown (@kanebrown) 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
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
Everyone in the B&R camp is ok thoughts and prayers to everyone in vegas at #Route91
– Big & Rich (@bigandrich) October 2, 2017
While details are still emerging, the massacre appears to be the worst mass shooting in United States history. MSNBC reported that they expect the death toll to continue to climb throughout the day.