Local leaders pledge accountability in wake of deadly Astroworld outcome
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - With the anguish of the Astroworld loss of life still fresh, Harris County Commissioners gathered at their regular meeting to respond.
What they delivered was short on detail, but long on assurance of accountability.
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"It is better to have thorough answers than quick answers and the wrong answers," said Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge
Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis revealed a frightening and very personal connection to the Friday mayhem and the threat it posed to the unsuspecting.
"My son was there with three of his friends and I'm just glad, they had no idea how bad it was until they got home and saw the news coverage."
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By far, the most powerful response came in the assessment from Precinct 2 Commissioner and former Harris County Sheriff, Adrian Garcia.
"At some point, whoever is in charge of safety and security has to make it very clear to the promoter that that's what they are in charge of. They are not there to sell tickets. They are not there to have a record crowd. They are not there to make it easy for profit to take place. They are there to make sure the event happens safely," said Garcia.
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Meantime, Mayor Sylvester Turner described the loss of life as the most personally disturbing event of his nearly six years at the City's helm.
"In large part because we are dealing with kids, 14, 16, 21, 23, 27 who came to a concert. My niece and nephew were supposed to be at the Saturday concert," said Turner.
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Turner too pledged an exhaustive investigation and blanket accountability while also telegraphing what could prove a critical jurisdictional reform moving forward.
"We are also taking a look at whenever an event is held, whether it's in a County facility inside the City of Houston, I will tell you the City needs to be at the table from the very beginning," said Turner.
In response to those who contend the Travis Scott concert should have been halted, Mayor Turner suggested an immediate cancellation could have potentially exacerbated an already deadly situation.