Photo credit: Child-Lani Knudsen / Beyond Wonderland
Organizer Insomniac CEO Pasquale Rotella has issued a statement following the campground shooting during Beyond Wonderland that left two people dead and others injured.
After the active shooter event at a campground outside of the Gorge Amphitheater during Beyond Wonderland At least two people were killed and five or more injured, Pasquale Rotella, CEO of promoter Insomniac, issued a statement.
“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the victims. The loss of two lives and the injuries to others is an incredibly heartbreaking tragedy,” Pasquale Rotella wrote in a caption to Bild Instagram.
“We know the shooting took place at the furthest campground from the Gorge Amphitheater designated for overflow camping, which is half a mile outside the main festival site. It is our understanding that the incident resulted from a single situation that escalated and prompted the attacker to flee the area. A shootout then ensued, involving the officer, to neutralize the threat.”
“The circumstances surrounding how and why this incident occurred are being investigated,” he continues. “Many have wondered why the festival continued during and after the incident. We made the decision to keep the festival open at the request of law enforcement when it became clear that there was no ongoing threat to the safety of visitors.”
“This was also done to ensure the majority of participants stayed away from the campsite where the incident took place. Our staff worked closely with local authorities to secure the area while preserving it for investigators to work in a smaller, isolated section.”
Rotella thanked the Insomniac first responder team for their professionalism, caring and courage. He says he “can’t imagine standing alongside another group in dealing with a challenging situation like this.”
“In the 30 years that we have been organizing events, we have brought millions of people together without incidents of this kind. I have a deep love for our community and deeply appreciate the principles that define our culture. This incident is in stark contrast to everything we stand for – it goes against the spirit of unity, love and respect that we seek to foster in our community,” his message concludes.
“Please take care of yourselves and continue to give each other love and support, especially during this difficult time.”
Although the festival continued for the rest of the day, the second day was canceled as a precaution. Saturday performances included Dillon Francis and Flosstradamus, while Sunday performances included Afrojack and Marshmello.