Caylee Hammack performed early in the day at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California on Sunday before a gunman opened fire, killing three people and injuring 15 others. The country newcomer was on the bill alongside fellow country acts King Calaway and Waterloo Revival, and has spoken out about the experience on social media.
“I just want to connect with all the people who spent their afternoon with me yesterday at the festival and know that they are okay,” she writes on Instagram. “What if someone was at that festival just to see me? What if I’m the reason they were at risk? This thought makes me feel sick and keeps sleep at bay.”
She added, “[Three] families woke up this morning with an empty bed in their house and a loved one gone. 15 others started today fighting for their lives due to someone’s decision to spread hatred. … Hatred and fear are strong, but love is so very much stronger. Please spread some love today. For all of the ones we lost and the ones still fighting for their lives, go be the light we need in this world.”
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She ends her Instagram post with an acoustic performance of Maren Morris and Vince Gill’s poignant song “Dear Hate” alone on guitar.
The three-day Gilroy Garlic Festival was held in California over the weekend and attracts more than 100,000 people. Three people were killed, including a 6-year-old boy. The gunman was identified Monday (July 29) as 19-year-old Santino William Legan.