'The Voice' star Christina Grimmie shot, killed at Orlando concert
Shooting suspect kills self after being tackled at The Plaza Live
ORLANDO, Fla. - Christina Grimmie, a former competitor on "The Voice," died after being shot Friday night at an Orlando concert venue, according to police.
Orlando police said the shooter killed himself after being tackled by Grimmie's brother at The Plaza Live on Bumby Street. The gunman's name has not been released.
Grimmie, 22, who performed with a band named Before You Exit, was signing autographs about 30 minutes after the concert ended when the gunman walked toward her and shot her, police said.
Grimmie's brother immediately tackled the gunman, who shot himself during a struggle, police said. The shooter, who had two guns, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said Grimmie's brother is a hero because he prevented his sister's fans from being injured.
A witness said others tried to help Grimmie.
"I turned the corner and I see this poor girl getting compressions done to her and she's bleeding from the back of her head," witness Josh Call said. "I look a few degrees to the right, and there's (the shooter) face-down."
Grimmie, of New Jersey, was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died, officials said.
"It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord," Grimmie's publicist said. "She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn't survive the gunshot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning."
A motive for the shooting has not been determined.
"We don't know if he was just a crazy fan that followed her on Twitter or on social media. We really don't know," Orlando police spokeswoman Wanda Miglio said. "This is a very tragic event. This should have been something that was fun and exciting, and for something like this to happen is just a tragedy."
Fans said they were heartbroken to hear the news.
"She signed some of my stuff. I bought some of her stuff. Honestly, she was so nice," Juana Villejas said. "I was crying because I love her so much and then, I don't know, it's ridiculous to think anything like that would ever happen to her."
Up to 100 people attended the show, but no other injuries were reported. It's unclear how the gunman got a gun into the venue or whether attendees were checked for weapons.
A police investigation is ongoing.
Grimmie finished in third place during season six of "The Voice." She was discovered on YouTube, where she has a massive following.
Before the shooting, the singer posted a video on social media encouraging fans to attend the concert.
Source WKMG ClickOrlando
