Ariana Grande’s mom kept several concertgoers safe after a bomb went off outside the U. K. arena where her daughter had just performed.
Ariana Grande’s mom kept several concertgoers safe after a bomb went off Monday night outside the U. K. arena where her daughter had just performed.
TMZ reported that Joan Grande was still in the front row and getting ready to head backstage to see Ariana when panic ensued following an explosion around 10: 30 p.m. local time.
Witnesses told the outlet that Joan escorted a group of about 10 young fans backstage where it was less chaotic. Joan and members of Ariana’s security team waited with the group until it was safe for them to exit the venue.
Ariana had just finished performing her final song at Manchester Arena when loud bangs were heard causing fans and their parents to immediately run for the exits. The blast killed 22 people, including an 8-year-old girl, and injured 59 others.
Ariana Grande’s opening act send prayers to victims of bombing
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said the suicide bomber acted alone and died at the arena. He was later identified as 23-year-old Salman Abedi. A second man, also 23, was arrested in connection to the attack.
Following the bombing, the « Side to Side » singer tweeted that she was « broken » over what happened.
« From the bottom of my heart, I am so sorry, » her post read. « I don’t have words. »
The 23-year-old pop star also announced Tuesday that she was suspending her tour. A source told the Associated Press that Ariana and her team « are more focused on the victims at the moment, not the tour. »
First Manchester victims ID’d as 8-year-old, college student
Ariana’s next scheduled show was for Thursday in London.
