Singer Christina Grimmie, a contestant on the 2014 series of The Voice USA, has died following a shooting at her concert in Orlando, Florida on Friday night.
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Authorities say Loibl traveled two hours from his home in St. Petersburg, Fla.to Orlando packing a pair of handguns and a hunting knife.
Marcus had tackled Christina’s assailant immediately after the shooting, and then the suspect shot himself.
Mina said unarmed security guards had checked bags as people entered the venue, but no metal detectors were used and no body searches were made.
“[It is] unknown what his plans were for after killing Christina, but very heroic actions by Marcus to jump in, and definitely could have prevented further loss of life”, said Orlando Police Chief John Mina during a press conference on Saturday.
After her death was confirmed, #RIPChristina became the top trending hashtag as Grimmie’s fans took to social media to express an outpouring of grief. She began amassing a following on YouTube as a teenager, gripping online viewers with her powerful renditions of hit songs.
Watch Selena Gomez’s emotional tribute to Christina Grimmie below.
The singer got her big break appearing on Season 6 of NBC’s The Voice, where she placed third for the season.
The suspect “walked toward Christina and shot her”, police said in a Twitter message. They say Grimmie’s brother tackled the shooter, who then shot himself.
Marcus is asking all his sister’s fans to comment under the post with pictures of her.
Usher, who also coached on the series, added: “To an awesome soul and voice. may your legacy live on forever. I miss you Christina”, reports E!
“My heart goes out to her family, friends and fans”, Aguilera tweeted.
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“Christina was such a loving, caring, attractive person”, the band Before You Exit wrote on Twitter, adding: “We are so saddened by her passing and completely heartbroken”.
