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SALT LAKE CITY — Christina Grimmie, a former contestant on NBC's "The Voice," was shot and killed Friday night, apparently by a deranged fan.
The violent act happened at a small gathering for fans after a show in Orlando, shocking fans. It also has owners of clubs and concert venues on high alert as they face the challenge of keeping people safe.
As president of United Concerts, Jim McNeil puts on more than 200 shows every year in Utah. In the last few years, he says the industry has changed the conversation and started talking openly about security concerns.
"It's certainly evolved, what we do and how we do it," McNeil said. "Certainly after the horrible incident in Paris at the club, the whole industry has taken a look. We've had numerous meetings."
United Concerts books events across the Mountain West and handles security. McNeil said his company used to be worried about drunks and fights, but now there are bigger concerns — which is why, this year, they're increasing security on every level.
"We got our first shipment of wands, so we will be wanding people," he said. "At USANA, it will take you a little longer to get in. We definitely are taking this seriously at all of our venues. You'll see more wanding, a little more security, more police."
While it's difficult to predict erratic behavior, McNeil said his security team is being trained for the worst case scenario.
As for the incident in Florida, police don't know what motivated the shooter to target Grimmie.
"This is very tragic. This should have been something that was fun and exciting, and of course when something like this happens it's just a tragedy," said Orlando Police Sgt. Wanda Miglio.
While investigators don't think killer who targeted Grimmie knew her personally, it was unclear Saturday what he knew about the concert venue. They say no security screening was required.
Email: agoodell@ksl.comTwitter: @Ashton_Goodell
