On Sunday night, the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the United States occurred when Stephen Paddock opened fire on concertgoers in Las Vegas, killing fifty-nine people and injuring at least 527.
The attack took place during singer Jason Aldean's closing set at the Route 91 Harvest festival, a 3-day outdoor country music festival that takes place in Vegas annually.
Aldean and his band took cover behind the equipment once the bullets were fired. He later updated fans on Instagram to confirm that he and his crew were safe.
"Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still don't know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that me and my crew are safe," he wrote. "My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken #stopthehate."
A day after the horrific event, the country star has released an emotional statement in which he expressed his pain over the senseless tragedy and urged the nation to come together as one.
"Over the last 24 hrs I have gone through lots of emotions," Aldean 40, wrote on Instagram. "Scared, Anger, Heartache, Compassion and many others. I truly don't understand why a person would want to take the life of another."
Aldean, who is expecting his first child with wife Brittany, also expressed his concerns about raising his son in today's world.
"Something has changed in this country and in this world lately that is scary to see," he continued. "This world is becoming the kind of place I am afraid to raise my children in."
The 'Dirt Road Anthem' singer pleaded with people to ditch the notions that divide us and remember that "we are all humans and we are all Americans and its time to start acting like it and stand together as ONE!"
"That is the only way we will ever get this country to be better than it has ever been, but we have a long way to go and we have to start now."
Aldean concluded the emotional message with words of condolence to the victims' families.
"My heart aches for the victims and their families of this senseless act," he wrote. "I am so sorry for the hurt and pain everyone is feeling right now and there are no words I can say to take that pain away. Just know u all are in my heart and my prayers as we all go through this together. Time to come together and stop the hate! #stopthehate #prayforlasvegas."
There are still many people unaccounted for so officials are urging friends and family to call 1-800-536-9488 to report a missing person.
The FBI is also asking for those with photos or videos of the incident to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
A GoFundMe page has been setup by Steve Sisolak, the commission chair of the Clark County Nevada to help the victims' families. Relief organizations such as the American Red Cross and the National Compassion Fund are also accepting donations.
