Khalid wants to use his platform to support the victims in El Paso.
R&B star Khalid is an El Paso, Texas native, so naturally, the news last weekend’s mass shooting in his hometown hit him hard. The singer now says he wants to do a benefit concert to support the victims and their families. A gunman opened fire at an El Paso shopping plaza Saturday morning, killing 22 innocent victims and wounded dozens of others. Khalid took to Twitter Monday morning to share his condolences.
“Over the past few days, my mind and heart have been heavy. Hearing/seeing an act of terrorism happen so close to home, my family, and my friends has been unbelievable and shocking,” the singer wrote. “Singing ‘915’ and ‘City of El Paso’ on tour every night feels indescribable,” he said referring to lyrics from his 2017 song “American Teen.”
The 21-year-old artiste said he had been racking his brain on how he could help his community in this time of tragedy, and hopes a benefit concert will help show his support.
“I’m planning for a benefit concert later this month, all of the proceeds will go to the families affected by the shooting. Sending everyone my love and will keep you guys updated.” Details surrounding the specifics of the concert had not yet been revealed.
Khalid has always had close ties to his community after stardom. The “Location” singer was given the keys to the city in September 2018, according to KFOX, who referred to Khalid as a “hometown hero.”
On Saturday evening, hours after the shooting, Khalid made sure to stop a performance in Washington D.C. to recognize the victims of the shooting.
“So this next song, I want to dedicate to the city of El Paso Texas. I want all you guys to send El Paso your love and your prayers, because it would mean a lot to everybody. It’s really sad to see my city hurting.”
Khalid also sent kind words on Twitter to the city of Dayton, Ohio where a mass shooting killed nine people not even a day after the rampage in El Paso.
Over the past few days, my mind and heart have been heavy. Hearing/seeing an act of terrorism happen so close to home, my family, and my friends has been unbelievable and shocking. Singing “915” and “city of El Paso” on tour every night feels indescribable
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) August 5, 2019
Over the past few days, I’ve been thinking of ways to help out and support the city.
I’m planning for a benefit concert later this month, all of the proceeds will go to the families affected by the shooting. Sending everyone my love and will keep you guys updated— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) August 5, 2019
the world loves you El Paso https://t.co/ctSBPcqyDa
— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) August 4, 2019
