Christina Grimmie’s killer had two guns and a hunting knife on him when he shot her.
The 22-year-old singer died of her wounds after an unnamed man opened fire on her when she was signing autographs after a gig in Orlando on Friday (10.06.16) and police believe the man travelled from another city in Florida with the aim of confronting her.
The man – who was carrying two handguns, two loaded magazines and a hunting knife – didn’t appear to know her personally and the motive for the killing is still unknown, according to Orlando Police Chief John Mina.
Christina was shot about 22:45 local time on Friday at The Plaza Live in Orlando.
The gunman – who was tackled by Christina’s brother – shot and killed himself after he opened fire on the singer.
Police Chief Mina said there were unarmed security guards at the concert venue who were checking bags but there were no metal detectors in place and no pat-downs for weapons.
Christina opened for the band Before You Exit and stayed on afterwards to sign autographs for fans when the attacker approached her and opened fire.
Her death was confirmed in a statement from her representative, which read: "It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord. She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn’t survive the gunshot wounds. We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning."
Christina – who appeared on season six of ‘The Voice USA’ – first found fame as a teenager for her renditions of hit songs, which led to her developing a huge following on YouTube.
She released her debut recording ‘Find Me’ in 2011, while the singer’s second EP – ‘Side A’ – was released earlier this year.