Carlos Santana Offers Support for Las Vegas Shooting Victims, Born-Again Christian Questions Gun Laws

Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer Carlos Santana has shared words of support and encouragement for the victims of the deadliest mass shooting incident in recent U.S. history.

"To everyone that lost loved ones, we stand with you. To those of you who are wounded and hurt, we stand by you. Our heart is in shock. Our minds are filled with questions," Santana shared his statements that were then posted on his official Facebook page.

On Sunday night, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, targeting an outdoor concert festival. At least 59 individuals were killed while over 500 others suffered injuries.

Santana believes that brutality is “pure ignorance” and that “compassion is the highest quality of pristine divinity.”

"Why allow weapons of mass destruction to be sold to civilians? The laws need to be changed to prevent this from ever happening again," the born-again Christian added.

Over the past few days, Santana had been playing his fifth annual residency at Mandalay Bay’s House of Blues.

"My heart goes out to all of those affected by this senseless tragedy," he said. "We all need to come together at this time and be 'one"' We send our collective prayers, light and love to the families and the wounded."

Paddock opened fire at approximately 10:50 p.m. PT when country singer Jason Aldean had been performing at the Route 91 Harvest Festival where at least 22,000 people had been in attendance. As noted by CNN, six officers conducted a search at the Mandalay Bay on Sunday night before finding Paddock’s suite. While Paddock attempted to shoot the officers through the door, with which he shot a security guard in the leg, he eventually killed himself.

Despite multiple Grammy awards and countless accomplishments, Santana says he has made it through his life by having faith in God. Known for openly expressing his Christian beliefs, the Mexican-American musician admitted that he made several attempts to take his own life, but was saved through God’s grace.

"You have to go through the darkest night of the soul to get to the brightest light of the day," he told Plain Truth.

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