On Thursday, attorney Kent Schaffer confirmed that rap superstar Travis Scott will not face criminal charges in the investigation into a fatal crowd surge at the 2021 Astroworld festival. A Texas grand jury looked into the event . This is when guests were crammed so closely together. It was impossible for them to move or breathe, but decided not to indict Scott.
This decision comes after careful consideration by the Harris County grand jury and prosecutors. Travis Scott lawyer expressed relief at the outcome, emphasizing that his client had not encouraged actions leading to harm. The investigation centered on potential criminal charges concerning the concert, but ultimately the authorities will not bring any charges against Scott in connection with the tragic event.
Schaffer stated, “He never encouraged people to do anything that caused harm to others,” expressing that the decision brings “a great relief.”
Circumstances of the deaths
Circumstances of the deaths limited what charges prosecutors were able to present before the grand jury, eliminating potential counts such as murder, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, said Alycia Harvey, an assistant district attorney with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
That left prosecutors to focus on possible counts of endangering a child in connection with the deaths of the two youngest concertgoers, ages 9 and 14, she added.
“”The grand jury … found that no crime did occur. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg stated, “No single individual bore criminal responsibility.”
The Nov. 5, 2021, crowd surge in Houston killed 10 young festivalgoers who ranged in age from 9 to 27.
Medical personnel treated injuries for approximately 300 people at the scene, while they transported 25 individuals to hospitals for further care.
Houston police and federal officials have been investigating whether Scott, concert promoter Live Nation and others had sufficient safety measures in place.
During a news conference Thursday afternoon after the grand jury’s decision, police presented various details from their investigation including a timeline of events.