Officials have asked county officials to investigate the incident at Travis Scott’s Astroworld Festival in Houston. Ten people were killed and many more were injured.
Officials requested an independent investigation to be conducted alongside the Houston Police Department’s inquiry into the incident. This was done to avoid conflicts of interests and ensure that the families of victims get the answers they want. On Monday, however, Houston-area officials opted for a country administrator to conduct a review with other government agencies.
County Judge Lina Hidalgo — the top elected official in Harris County, which includes Houston — had previously proposed a third-party probeIt would examine the planning and execution crowd control tactics at this festival, which was founded by Scott and is headlined by rap star Scott.
Instead, the Harris County administrator will work with other county and city entities to review security, fire, and other safety plans at NRG Park, which is the county-owned park where the festival was held.
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Houston County Judge Lina Hidalgo (center), flanked by Houston Police chief Troy Finner, left, & U.S. Rep. Al Green (right), speaking during a news conference in Houston after several people were killed and scores were injured at a music festival the previous night.
(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Hidalgo stated, “I hope it comes back with actionable learnings.” “I hope it doesn’t result in something vague or forgotten.”
This means that an independent, objective party will not conduct an investigation into the incident. The investigation by Hidalgo could result in legal liabilities for Harris County, according to other members of the county’s governing body, known collectively as a commissioner’s Court.
Numerous lawsuits were filed already regarding injuries and death at the Nov. 5 concert.
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Houston police are also conducting a separate investigation into what happened at this festival. At this point, no one has been arrested. Some believe that allowing police to investigate the situation is inadequate given Scott’s presence at the festival and the city’s friendly relationship.
The city fire department and police played important roles in crowd control and other safety measures during the show. Experts in crowd safety suggest that neutral outsiders investigate the tragedy to avoid conflicts of interest and promote transparency.
Festival-goers make their way to the VIP area before Travis Scott performs during the Astroworld Music Festival at NRG Park on Friday Nov. 5, 2021 in Houston.
( Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)
The Astroworld Festival and the rapper are also staples in Houston. Scott, whose real identity is Jacques Bermon Webster was born in Houston and has close ties to the city. He uses his celebrity status to influence his old community. According to reports, he spent the days leading to the 2021 Astroworld Festival doing charity work. He also announced partnerships with local organizations that would support youths in Houston.
As a result, any investigation into Scott, what happened in the audience or a breakdown among crowd control tactics comes with some degree of the Houston Police Department investigating itself — thus leading to objectivity concerns.
Police say they are reviewing surveillance video from concert promoter Live Nation as well as dozens more clips from the show that have been shared on social networks. Investigators also plan to speak with Scott, Live Nation representatives, and concertgoers.
More than 300 people were treated for injuries on the spot, with at least 25 being admitted to hospital.
Many unanswered questions revolve around the actions of event organizers.
Travis Scott performs on Day 1 at the Astroworld Music Festival, NRG Park, Friday Nov. 5, 2021 in Houston.
(Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
The Astroworld music festival’s event operations plan, which was 56 pages long, included protocols for dangerous situations like an active shooter or bomb or terrorist threat, severe weather, and severe weather. It did not contain information on what to do in case of crowd surge.
A 9-year old boy was among the 10 who died. The oldest person who died was 27-years-old. Individual causes of death are still being investigated.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
Source: Fox News
