Travis Scott Concert Chronology Chaotic Until 8 Spectators Died
JAKARTA - Investigations into the chaotic Travis Scott concert that killed 8 spectators due to being stepped on are ongoing. Houston, Texas police chief Chief Troy Finner said he briefly met with hip-hop star Travis Scott before performing at the Astroworld Music Festival on Friday, November 5 local time.
Chief Finner said Tuesday he met with Scott and the head of concert security just before the ill-fated performance of the festival's main performer.
He invited Scott to voice his "concern for public safety" before the rapper took the stage, which ended with eight people dead and dozens injured in the stampede.
"The meeting was brief, respectful, and an opportunity for me to share public safety issues as police chief," said Finner as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, November 9. He made no explicit mention of the increasingly uncontrollable behavior throughout the day among the mostly young crowd.
On the other hand, Scott has canceled an appearance scheduled for this weekend at a similar outdoor event in Las Vegas, a source said. Scott also said on Monday, November 8, that he would cover all funeral expenses and offer assistance to those affected.
He will also work with law enforcement and city officials to "delightfully and appropriately" deal with the victims and their families, according to a statement.
A total of eight victims were "run over" by the thousands of spectators who packed NRG Park around 9:30 p.m., with some unable to breathe and others being trampled underfoot. Meanwhile, hundreds of other people in the crowd of 50,000 people were reportedly injured.
The eight fans who lost their lives ranged in age from 14 to 27. Even though Scott stopped the music several times after seeing fans who needed medical attention, he continued and finished his performance until the end. The show continued for 37 minutes.
Scott released a short video Saturday night (6/11) telling his testimony while he was on stage. "I could never have imagined the severity of the situation."
He also posted a statement on Twitter saying he was "devastated" and would cooperate fully with the authorities.
More than a dozen lawsuits from the victims and their families have been filed against several defendants, including Scott and concert promoters Live Nation Entertainment Inc and ScoreMore.
Lawsuits generally accuse Live Nation of acting negligently by failing to establish and enforce adequate safety protocols, failing to provide adequate security, and failing to maintain proper crowd control.
Live Nation issued a statement Monday, November 8, saying the company "will address all legal issues in a timely manner." Scott's representatives declined to comment on the civil suit being filed.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness and brother of the Danish Baig victim, Basil Baig, testified.
"Once Travis Scott came out, it went crazy. People started punching, pushing and doing horrendous things to each other. There was no room to breathe," Baig said.
"We want justice for Danish and all the children, families and those who lost their loved ones. We will get justice from Travis Scott. You are responsible. Your hands are covered in blood, man."