Pasquale Rotella Issues Statement Following Beyond Wonderland Festival Shooting
Insomniac Events founder and CEO Pasquale Rotella has issued a statement in the wake of the tragic shooting incident that took place over the weekend at the Beyond Wonderland music festival. Two people were killed in the festival's campgrounds at the Gorge Amphitheatre, police reported.
Shared via social media, Rotella's comments provided an update on the background of the shooting and confirmed an investigation is underway to determine how it took place.
On Saturday night, a suspect was detained in the wake of an "active shooter" situation at a campground near the Gorge, the Grant County Sheriff's office said. Authorities reported that the alleged gunman "randomly fired into a crowd of people" around 8:23 local time, "several hundred yards away" from the electronic music festival.
The suspect was shot in the confrontation with police and subsequently hospitalized, authorities said. They have not yet provided details on the weapon used, motive or the shooter's identity.
"On behalf of the entire Insomniac family, we extend our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the victims," Rotella wrote. "The loss of two lives, as well as the injuries sustained by others, is an incredibly heartbreaking tragedy."
"Given the various accounts circulating, I would like to provide an update based on the information currently available," he continues. "We know that the shooting took place in the furthest campground from The Gorge Amphitheatre, which is designated for overflow camping and located a half mile outside the perimeter of the main festival grounds. It is our understanding that the incident stemmed from an isolated situation that escalated, leading the assailant to flee the area. An officer-involved shooting then occurred to neutralize the threat."
Elsewhere in his statement, Rotella thanked the festival's artists and staff, whose efforts "greatly contributed to maintaining the safety and calmness of attendees." He also expressed his gratitude to Insomniac's first responder team.
"This tragedy has deeply affected me," Rotella said. "As the organizer of this event, my intention has always been to bring people together and celebrate our shared love for music and community. I am at a loss to comprehend how individuals can commit such heinous acts. Throughout 30 years of organizing events, we have brought together millions of people without any incidents of this nature. I hold a profound love for our community and deeply value the principles that define our culture. This incident stands in stark contrast to everything we stand for – it goes agains the spirit of unity, love and respect that we strive to foster within our community."
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The EDM community has taken to social media en masse to lament the tragedy and show support for those affected.
"What happened at the festival camp is simply horrible, violence has no place in the world of music," said house music superstar Malaa, who was scheduled to DJ at 12:30am and learned of the gunfire on his way to the festival. "My deepest condolences to the families of the victims."
"Insane to me that someone came into our safe space just to bring harm to others," said dubstep star Kompany. "We go to raves to spread love and create memories together, what happened at the gorge is so devastating. My heart goes out to anyone affected."
"Sending love to everyone affected and to our community as a whole cuz that shit is just absolutely fkd," wrote Grammy-nominated dance music artist ILLENIUM. "My hearts with y'all."
Editor's Note: If you or anyone you know is experiencing distress following an act of terrorism or mass violence occurring within the United States, you can call the Disaster Distress Helpline, a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling.
For additional resources and more information, visit the website of the Office for Victims of Crime.
