Jason Aldean issues statement on Las Vegas shooting. Gunman Stephen Paddock is dead

The Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas turned into a nightmare last night, with a local Las Vegas resident opening fire indiscriminately on the festival crowd. At least 50 people were killed in the attack and hundreds have been taken to hospital.

The shooter, 64 year-old Stephen Paddock, reportedly opened fire on the crowd of 22,000 from the 32nd floor of the Maldalay Bay Casino. Described as a "local resident" by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Stephen Paddock has since been confirmed dead, after officers engaged with him, and shot him, in the casino building.

Jason Aldean, who was the artist performing whilst the shooting took place, has since issued his own statement via Instagram, writing,

"Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken #stopthehate"

Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken #stopthehate

A post shared by Jason Aldean (@jasonaldean) on Oct 2, 2017 at 1:17am PDT