Grand jury decides not to bring charges in case of deadly Astroworld Festival concert surge

10 people died as a result of the concert surge during Travis Scott's performance at NRG Park on Nov. 5, 2021
Thursday, June 29, 2023
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A grand jury declined to indict rapper Travis Scott in a criminal investigation into the Astroworld Festival disaster, which left 10 concertgoers dead. Ultimately, they returned six no bill decisions, meaning no criminal charges will be pursued.

More than 18 months after the deadly concert surge as Travis Scott performed at NRG Park on Nov. 5, 2021, no one has been held criminally responsible for the tragedy.
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Scott's attorney spoke with ABC13, saying, "It has just been confirmed to me that the grand jury no-billed Travis Scott, which is great relief to Travis. It's something we were hoping, something we expected based on lack of evidence."

"Everything was presented to the grand jury, and they found there was no criminal liability on Travis' part," lawyer Kent Schaffer added.

HPD breaks down Astroworld investigation after no charges brought forth
HPD breaks down Astroworld investigation after no charges brought forth


The victims, with the youngest just 9 years old, all died of compression asphyxiation, the medical examiner ruled. Roughly 300 people were injured and treated at the scene, and 25 were taken to hospitals.



A 56-page event operations plan for the festival had detailed protocols for various dangerous scenarios including a shooting, bomb or terrorist threats and severe weather. But it did not include information on what to do in the event of a crowd surge.

Similar crushes have happened all over the world, from a soccer stadium in England to the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia to Halloween festivities in the South Korean capital.

Most people who who die in crowd surges suffocate.

Travis Scott's attorney confirms 'no-bill' of rapper, 5 others
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Travis Scott's lawyer relays grand jury's 'no-bill' against rapper


Schaffer said he feels sympathy for those who were killed at the festival and their families.



"But Travis is not responsible," Schaffer said. "Bringing criminal charges against him will not ease their pain."

Watch in-depth coverage of what unfolded at the festival in Astroworld Aftermath
Astroworld Aftermath

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PREVIOUS REPORTS:
Houston officials vote to require permit for outdoor music events if attendance is 500 or greater
Special Events Task Force outlines new safety measures in wake of Astroworld Festival
Families of 2 Astroworld victims settle cases over deadly festival
Travis Scott books 7-date Las Vegas residency at nightclub with capacity for 2,160 people

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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