29 June (Reuters) – A Texas grand jury on Thursday found five people, including rapper Travis Scott, over a 2021 music festival mob riot that killed 10 people and injured thousands. The prosecutor’s office said it had declined criminal charges against him.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said the grand jury is the culmination of a 19-month investigation into the tragedy at Scott’s Astroworld festival in November 2021.
“Our investigators and prosecutors did everything in their power to help the grand jury get to the truth,” Ogg said.
Scott’s attorney, Kent Shaffer, said the investigation confirmed that Scott was not responsible for the tragedy at the festival.
“Now that this chapter is over, I hope the government will work on what is most important to ensure that future heartbreaking tragedies like Astroworld never happen again,” Schaefer said in a statement. .
Five others, including Live Nation festival manager Brent Silverstein, were also acquitted.
“Brent did everything in his power to keep the festival running safely,” said Christopher Downey, Silverstein’s attorney.
[1/2]76th edition of Cannes Film Festival – Screening of the in-competition TV series “Idol” – Red carpet arrivals – Cannes, France, May 22, 2023. Travis Scott poses.Reuters/Sarah Masonnier/File Photo
Lawyers for the remaining people were not immediately reachable on Thursday.
The investigation was sparked by a flood of fans at Houston’s Astroworld, where thousands were injured as Scott took to the stage to overrun the crowd. Ten people died from compression asphyxiation, including a 10-year-old boy.
The tragedy has sparked a flurry of lawsuits against Scott and festival organizers, including entertainment giant Live Nation (LYV.N), which merged with Ticketmaster in 2010.
Plaintiffs allege that Scott, Live Nation and more than 20 other defendants let too many people into the venue despite knowing the risks because they wanted the concert to be sold out. claim.
At least 4,900 fans were injured, according to lawyers representing victims in lawsuits against Scott and the organizers.
These cases are consolidated in the Texas state courts in a process known as multi-district litigation to streamline the rulings of similar cases.
The family of one of the murdered people settled with Scott, Live Nation and others on undisclosed terms in October 2022.
Other lawsuits are also pending, including one brought by the family of a 10-year-old boy who was murdered.
Reported by Jack Queen and Mike Spector of New York.Editing: Amy Stevens, Lisa Shoemaker, Daniel Wallis
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