Lawyer for Concertgoer: ‘Despicable’ Travis Scott ‘Knew That There Were Problems All Around Him’
Ryan MacLeod, an attorney for an attendee of the Travis Scott concert in Houston that reportedly resulted in eight dead on Friday, said Monday on CNN’s “Newsroom” that the rapper “knew there were problems” before eight people died during a crowd stampede at his performance at the Astroworld Festival.
MacLeod said, “I believe that this was not just months in the making, this wasn’t just days in the making, this was years in the making. Travis Scott and his promoters know very well from at least 2015, Travis has been arrested for inciting violence. Oftentimes when there’s a mosh pit at one of his concerts, he will proudly say this isn’t a mosh pit unless someone is getting hurt. One time there was a concert in Manhattan of all places where he encouraged people to push people off a balcony. There was a young man who was left paralyzed. In fact, before this Houston concert, it was sold out, and he tweeted proudly again, we’re going to sneak the wild ones in. Then our Mayor Turner tells him that this is a problem. Then during the concert, even when first responders are trying to respond, he continues the concert. It’s disgusting. It’s despicable. We’re better than this as humans.”
He added, “I know that if you have a pulse and you’re alive, as Travis Scott was that night, and you’ve got the microphone in your hand and you’re in charge, and you identify that there’s a life and death – there’s a problem. He is saying there’s a guy down, and you’ve got ambulances, EMTs trying to force their way into this mass crowd, and you don’t stop? There’s a problem. And you are putting profits over safety. He knew that there were problems all around him. If you watch the video footage, it is telling. He knew that there were problems. He knew that there were serious emergencies. He knew that first responders needed to do their jobs. CPR was literally being administered while he’s still singing about being the highest in the room. That cannot ever happen again.”
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PIERS MORGAN: Travis Scott has repeatedly given a snarling middle finger to the safety of his fans and this deadly, predictable disaster is a direct result of his arrogant and shameful recklessness
Travis Scott wants us to know he's 'just devastated' about the horrific deaths of eight of his fans at a concert on Friday.
In a tormented Instagram post the following night, the rap superstar repeatedly stroked his hair in apparent anguish as he said: 'I could never imagine anything like this happening.'
Scott, 30, spoke out after catastrophe unfurled during his performance at the Astroworld festival in his hometown of Houston, Texas.
In appalling scenes, hundreds of fans were injured in frantic crowd surges that erupted when Scott appeared on stage at 9pm and which led to panic, desperation and ultimately, the deaths of eight people aged between 14 and 27.
Videos posted on social media show concert goers screaming for help and begging Scott's production crew members to 'STOP THE SHOW!'
Fans later spoke of their terror.
'It was like hell,' Nick Johnson, 17, told the New York Times. 'Everybody was just in the back, trying to rush to the front.'
'People were literally grabbing and pinching at my body trying to get up from the ground,' said another fan, Chris Leigh, 23. 'I was fighting for my life; there was no way out.'
Throughout all this, Scott continued performing.
One fan video shows him appearing to look directly at an unconscious fan being carried out over people's heads.
Travis Scott wants us to know he's 'just devastated' about the horrific deaths of eight of his fans at a concert on Friday. In a tormented Instagram post the following night, the rap superstar repeatedly stroked his hair in apparent anguish as he said: 'I could never imagine anything like this happening. Throughout all this, Scott continued performing
In a social media clip, Scott shouts at the crowd, 'I want to see some rages. Who want to rage?' but then just moments later he sees an ambulance enter the arena and says, 'There's an ambulance in the crowd, whoa, whoa, whoa' before continuing to sing a few seconds later
The show only ends 40 minutes after city officials say a 'mass casualty event' had begun. By then, it was too late to save any lives
Forgive me if I find Mr Scott's shocked disbelief to be a load of disingenuous self-protective claptrap. If there was one nailed-down guarantee, it was that something terrible like this might one day happen at one of his concerts. This is a man who thrives on chaos and mayhem during live performances
In another clip, Scott shouts at the crowd, 'I want to see some rages. Who want to rage?' but then just moments later he sees an ambulance enter the arena and says, 'There's an ambulance in the crowd, whoa, whoa, whoa' before continuing to sing a few seconds later.
The show only ends 40 minutes after city officials say a 'mass casualty event' had begun.
By then, it was too late to save any lives.
And forgive me if I find Mr Scott's shocked disbelief to be a load of disingenuous self-protective claptrap.
If there was one nailed-down guarantee, it was that something terrible like this might one day happen at one of his concerts.
This is a man who thrives on chaos and mayhem during live performances.
'Travis Scott's whole aesthetic is about rebellion,' HipHopDX editor-in-chief Trent Clark told the Associated Press. 'The shows have a lot of raging. With the death of punk rock, hip-hop has indeed adopted and patterned the new generation of mosh pits. It's not uncommon to see a lot of crowding and raging or complete wild behavior at a Travis Scott show.'
It's also not uncommon for this wild crowd behavior to have been actively encouraged by Scott himself.
Indeed, in his 2018 hit 'Stargazing', he rapped: 'It ain't a mosh pit if ain't no injuries, I got 'em stage divin' out the nosebleeds.'
Such an attitude has led to him getting two misdemeanor convictions for the way he has illegally incited his fans to ignore safety protocols.
In 2015, Scott pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless conduct after urging fans to jump over safety barricades at the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.
'All my real ragers jump the barricade right now!' Scott yelled. 'Let's go. Come over. I want chaos.'
He got what he wanted as hundreds of fans stormed over the barricades and headed towards the stage. A disaster was only averted by the swift response of safety officials.
The Office of Emergency Management said at the time: 'The performer played one song and then began telling fans to come over the barricades. Due to the security's quick response, the situation was remedied immediately, and no fans were injured.'
Scott was sentenced to a one year of court supervision.
A video has resurfaced showing rapper Travis Scott encouraging a crowd to 'f**k up' a fan who attempted to take his trainers while he crowd surfed in Switzerland. Pictured: A grab from the video taken at the OpenAir Festival in St. Gallen, Switzerland in 2015
In 2017, Scott once again encouraged his fans to rush the stage and bypass security at a concert at the Walmart Music Pavilion in Arkansas. Several people were injured in that stampede, including a security guard and police officer, and Scott pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and paid a $7,465.31 fine.
Scott has twice been convicted for encouraging fans to jump security barriers and rush the stage at previous concerts. Pictured: A mug shot of Scott from Rogers police department after a 2017 incident in Arkansas
But in 2017, he once again encouraged his fans to rush the stage and bypass security at a concert at the Walmart Music Pavilion in Arkansas.
Several people were injured in that stampede, including a security guard and police officer, and Scott pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and paid a $7,465.31 fine.
The same year, a young man was left paralyzed after Scott told a fan hanging off a balcony to jump at Terminal 5 in New York City.
'I see you, but are you gonna do it?' Scott shouted at him, after stopping the show and ordering the house lights to be turned on so everyone could watch. 'They gonna catch you. Don't be scared. Don't be scared!'
Kyle Green, 27, was left partially paralyzed at a Travis Scott show after Scott encouraged another fan to jump off a balcony. He says Friday's deaths could have been avoided 'had Travis learned his lesson'
The fan did indeed jump, safely, into the crowd but in the hysterical reaction that ensued - in video of the incident, one fan can be heard pleading 'I don't wanna die in here' – another man Kyle Green was forced over the edge of the balcony, which he called 'severely crowded.'
He broke several bones and vertebrae and can only walk with a 'significant, significant disability.'
Green's lawyer, Howard Hershenhorn, said his client was 'heartbroken' by what happened in Houston on Friday, and added: 'He's even more incensed by the fact that it could have been avoided had Travis learned his lesson in the past and changed his attitude about inciting people to behave in such a reckless manner.'
Washington Post music reviewer Julian Kimble, who attended Scott's 2018 Astroworld show said he'd witnessed the star call for his fans to openly defy safety protocols.
'I've seen him tell people like 'Don't listen to security. Forget security. This is for y'all. This is for the fans.' With regards to last night, that's an example of how things can go wrong. There's a lot of negligence across the board. I don't think there's one bad guy or culprit. It's a sweeping structural failure with what happened.'
That's true, and we will have to wait for a full investigation to discover exactly what went wrong in terms of the emergency response.
But we don't need an investigation to know that Travis Scott is to blame for creating an environment at his concerts where his fans don't think safety protocols matter or need to be heeded.
Nor could he or anyone else have been remotely surprised by the crowd reaction on the night.
There had been trouble, dangerous crowd surges and injuries at his previous Astroworld performances, and Scott was specifically and personally warned about potential crowd issues this time by Houston police chief Troy Finner who visited him in his trailer earlier in the day.
The 2-day festival's organisers had also prepared a 56-page contingency plan that was leaked to the New York Times and said: 'Based on the site's layout and numerous past experiences, the potential for multiple alcohol/drug related incidents, possible evacuation needs, and the ever-present threat of a mass casualty situation are identified as key concerns.'
So, none of the crowd reaction was a surprise, just the lethal scale of it.
Scott insisted in his Instagram video: 'My fans mean the world to me, and I always want to leave them with a positive experience.'
But even as he was saying that, video emerged from a previous show in which he is seen abusively encouraging a young fan to be beaten up for trying to steal his shoe.
Danish Baig, 27 (left), was killed at Travis Scott's Astroworld after saving a relative during the stampede on Friday, his brother said. Franco Patino, 21 (right), also died, the University of Dayton said
University of Dayton student Franco Patino (left), 21, was attending the event with his best friend, 20-year-old Jacob Jurinek. Both were killed in the crush
Brianna Rodriguez, 16, (left) was a dancer and junior in high school. Rodolfo 'Rudy' Pena, 23,(right) was an aspiring model and dreamed of one day being a US Border Patrol agent. He died of cardiac arrest
John Hilgert, 14, was the youngest victim of the horrific crush which killed eight people at Friday night's Astroworld Festival in Houston. Axel Acosta, 21, had traveled from Washington to attend the festival - his first concert. Cops shared a photo of his body after they were unable to identify him
It's an ugly scene that reveals an ugly side to Scott's character.
If only he'd shown the same ferocious approach to his fans' safety that he did to his shoes.
As Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said yesterday: 'The one person who can really call for and get a tactical pause when something goes wrong is that performer,' he said. 'They have that bully pulpit and they have a responsibility. If somebody would have said, 'Hey, shut this thing down and turn on the lights until this thing gets corrected' — and that coming from the person with the mic — I think could have been very helpful.'
But Scott never did that. He was too busy having and encouraging a rage.
In fact, when two members of his crew came on stage as the mayhem erupted, presumably to tell him what was happening, he waved them away and urged the crowd to make the 'ground shake.'
The concert, which continued for another half an hour, ended with Scott waving to the crowd and saying: 'I love y'all. Make it home safe. Good night!'
But eight fans never made it home.
Though his girlfriend Kylie Jenner was seen being sneaked away afterwards by a large group of security guards - to ensure SHE got out safely.
Scott was too busy having and encouraging a rage. In fact, when two members of his crew came on stage as the mayhem erupted, presumably to tell him what was happening, he waved them away and urged the crowd to make the 'ground shake.' The concert, which continued for another half an hour, ended with Scott waving to the crowd and saying: 'I love y'all. Make it home safe. Good night!' But eight fans never made it home
Kylie Jenner (center in black mask) was seen being sneaked away afterwards by a large group of security guards - to ensure SHE got out safely
In a video of the concert that was posted online but has now been taken down, Scott can be heard saying, 'If everybody good, put a middle finger up to the sky.'
The video shows many fans then extending their middle finger to the sky.
It also shows the ambulance in the middle of them all, dealing with dying people.
For years, Travis Scott has extended his middle finger to crowd safety and security.
On Friday night, that shamefully reckless attitude to the welfare of his own fans led to a deadly disaster.
He can pretend he's shocked and can't believe it happened.
But these are the weasly words of a man now facing civil and possibly criminal court action, desperate not to be blamed for crowd activity that his incendiary rhetoric for many years has encouraged.
Travis Scott has the blood of his dead fans on his extended middle finger.
BLACK VIOLENCE IN AMERICA
THE MURDER, MAYHEM AND LOOTING THAT IS SO MUCH A PART OF THE BLACK SUBCULTURE ACROSS AMERICA
https://mexicanoccupation.blogspot.com/2021/08/black-violence-in-america-murder-mayhem.html
2 hurt when gunman opens fire at close range on crowded Philadelphia street
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AR_lpslyZM
Suspect arrested after throwing Molotov cocktail at Brooklyn deli, slashing man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4diGwxzLKE
Chicago gun violence: Lightfoot, Brown urge public to speak up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh6EO8KIXeo
Man shot at MS Dollar General, suspect detained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmovrKr1iE0
Neighbors disturbed after two men found dead in SUV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBoPTBMc4Y4
HOW MUCH OF THE NATIONWIDE SURGE IN VIOLENCE IS PERPETRATED BY BLACKS?
ONLY 8% OF THE POPULATION OF SAN FRANCISCO ARE BLACKS, AND YET THEY PERPETRATE 40% OF THE CRIME.
Miramar High School students to be charged for murder as adults
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtzOEZ7fgOU
Robbery suspect shot and killed in Oakland gas station shootout identified
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHW7UQFeBFU
Home Invasion Woman hides in bathroom and fires at burglars through the door
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3FhxGXVi5o
Shocking video shows brazen thieves stealing from Ulta Beauty store
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhCTrcTzFYQ
BLACK VIOLENCE
Man targeted by would-be robbers turns the table on suspects by opening fire in Fairfax
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLnN0cGgoPs
Woman charged after police say she tried to run a mother and her children off the road
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9FvjzywOiA
Police say man stabbed wife, tried to vacuum blood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2HvVanq4nw
Teenage girl kidnapped, stabbed and left for dead
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEfcCWoNEq0
Exclusive: Survivor of Wendy's fast food massacre in Flushing breaks silence after 20 years
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zte8tyGoV3I
Man chased, shot in the head and killed by mob in Queens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i4gZDSV14w
Officer dragged by car in attempt to stop burglary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhyVN69ls8E
Mom tells police her son confessed to Memphis shooting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UNzniXuR3c
Police arrest Memorial Park rape suspect
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_CTw00ZoBo
SHOCKING: Philadelphia police release video of deadly drive-by shooting; gunman still being sought
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoNwZowTEnk
RAW: Violent shootout caught on camera at East St. Louis gas station
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roQ-ObzbDxU
RAW VIDEO: Wild shootout in Northeast DC captured on home surveillance video | FOX 5 DC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3RiJxu-yKU
Surveillance video of Kirkwood home invasion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SitCOS3YXSU
Killing caught on camera
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr0XvtpkE78
Intruder shot, killed after kicking in door, charging occupant with a knife
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PXJz38_7a8
VIDEO: Burglary suspected thwarted by gun-toting homeowner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N1A9xT9cCA
Mother armed with shotgun scares off burglar in Miami Gardens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o2eSvS8KPU
Video: Neptune Beach resident shoots at 3 armed robbers, police say
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjWxoHK-H5E
Woman arrested in Jacksonville in connection with execution-style killing in New York
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ1bRRHVZUg
Man accused of knocking out woman, spitting
on officer in Miami Beach
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Mom charged with reckless driving with baby in car
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Suspect in deadly shooting had 2020 murder charges
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Woman charged with beating, shooting at boyfriend
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Woman killed, man hospitalized in South LA double shooting
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Former corrections employee fatally shot boyfriend in Miami Gardens, cops say
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOa1sgW-I6g
Surveillance video shows man stealing coveted puppy from pet store
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsqXrzqFD5o
Shooting outside North Miami Beach fast food restaurant under investigation
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female suspect appeared to stomp on the woman’s head multiple times.
VIDEO: NYC Woman Beaten, Stomped in Head During Alleged Robbery
https://www.breitbart.com/crime/2021/10/13/video-nyc-woman-beaten-stomped-head-alleged-robbery/
13 Oct 20210
2:06
Police have released video of two people’s alleged attack on a woman in Brooklyn last week that resulted in her being taken to the hospital unconscious.
The individual was believed to still be in the hospital as of Wednesday, one week after it happened, PIX 11 reported.
Police said the incident occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. on October 6 on Powell Street in the Brownsville area.
Surveillance video showed the moment a man and woman approached the 30-year-old woman. The female suspect appeared to punch her in the head, causing her to fall headfirst into a fenced planter:
The female suspect then appeared to continue hitting the woman as she lay on the ground, which knocked her unconscious, according to authorities.
The male suspect reportedly took the woman’s purse, two cellphones, cash, and a neck chain, while the other suspect kept hitting her, police stated.
At one point in the video, the female suspect appeared to stomp on the woman’s head multiple times.
Police told Pix 11 the attack was not random, and they believe it was the result of an earlier encounter between the victim and the female suspect.
“The woman was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of trauma to her head and face, authorities said. She is expected to survive,” the outlet reported.
A Rasmussen poll released in August in partnership with the National Police Association (NPA) found 70 percent of American voters believe crime is “out of control,” while 22 percent disagreed.
“A majority of those polled believe poor policy has to do with this year’s increase in violent crimes, including the elimination of cash bail requirements in some jurisdictions,” Breitbart News reported.
“Seventy-three percent of voters say letting accused violent criminals out of jail without bail while they wait for trial increases violent crime. Fourteen percent disagree, and 13 percent are not sure,” the outlet said.
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