WBTW

CCMF organizers release statement on Las Vegas country music fest shooting

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Monday afternoon, Carolina Country Music Festival organizers issued a statement in reference to the attack at a Las Vegas country music festival that left 58 dead and more than 500 wounded.

The shooting that took place Sunday night while Jason Aldean was performing at the three-day festival was the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.

In the statement, Bob Durkin expresses condolences and promises that event organizers will continue to work with local law enforcement to ensure a safe atmosphere for next year’s festival.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, families of the victims and everyone affected by the senseless tragedy that occurred in Las Vegas. We’d like to recognize Las Vegas law enforcement and first responders for their selfless efforts to protect and serve.

CCMF will continue to work closely with the Myrtle Beach Police department to prepare for 2018, and we pledge our continued commitment to exhaust all resources to ensure CCMF provides a safe, secure environment for all. #prayersforvegas

Myrtle Beach residents and visitors packed the Old Pavillion site downtown Myrtle Beach in June for a country music festival similar to the Las Vegas event. Nearly 30,000 people filled the area just off of Ocean Boulevard, and Myrtle Beach Police say as the event grows, so do their security plans to keep fans safe.

“In 2017, before the last artist left the stage, we were already starting to plan for 2018,” describes Myrtle Beach Police Captain Joey Crosby.

The details of security, both the obvious measures and the hidden, take nearly the entire year in between festivals to plan.

“Previously it was, you worried about the site plan itself and how was traffic flowing and how were people getting to and from their destination,” describes Capt. Crosby. “Over the years, that’s evolved into having to worry about backpacks, to worrying about vehicles driving through the middle of the crowds and now worrying about a shooting incident such as what has happened in Las Vegas.”

Capt. Crosby says when it comes to protecting the community, the department will bring in as many resources as needed.

“It’s going to be a lot more long hours, a lot more planning, a lot more personnel to ensure that our attendees are safe and have another 2018 enjoyable event as we’ve had in the past,” says Capt. Crosby.

While the seasoned police captain couldn’t offer specific details into how officers will secure the buildings surround the country music fest, he says safety elements will absolutely be in place, even though people won’t see them.

According to Carolina Country Music Festival’s website, the fourth annual event will be held June 7-10 in Myrtle Beach. So far, Luke Bryan and Toby Keith have been announced as headliners.