Plaza Live Staff Fired Prior To Shooting

The former GM of Plaza Live Orlando said the management team at the facility had been fired 10 days before the deadly shooting of “The Voice” contestant Christina Grimmie, and that the staff working the June 10 Before You Exit / Grimmie concert had never worked an event before.

Grimmie was shot while signing autographs at a merchandise table in the venue following her performance, according to the Associated Press. After being tackled by Grimmie’s brother, the gunman killed himself.

Today former Plaza Live GM Kirk Colvin released the following statement to Amplify:

I am a very private person but after the shooting of Christina last night and the 100s of calls, texts, and emails I felt releasing a statement is required for the clarity. As of June 1st I was no longer the GM of the Plaza Live Orlando. As the Plaza LIVE GM since 2010 I have personally managed 700+ events with 1,200+ artists and I’m proud of the personal touch I provided taking time to know each artist’s music, history, and in many cases them.

It was not publicly known that the entire management team was replaced by the Orlando Philharmonic board on June 1st so they “could go in a different direction” and the replacements were completely inexperienced in venue operations. It appears this was done to cut costs and increase revenues. Very sadly this tragedy occurred during the very first concert managed by the new staff.

My heart goes out to the family of Christina who was a wonderful, talented up and coming artist murdered at The Plaza Live in this senseless tragedy. I’m also thankful all the Plaza staff was quickly accounted for and safe.

I’ve emailed all the board members and called for those board members responsible making a decision to change management to resign before they can do more damage to a venue we all love and not attempt to place blame on anyone else for their poor judgment.

Editor’s Note:

Plaza Live released its own statement Saturday expressing its sorrow for the tragic incident. The venue said all specific questions would be directed to the Orlando Police Department’s Public Information Office and that all upcoming events at Plaza Live had been suspended until further notice. The statement is posted in full below:

Like everyone else in the community, the board and staff at the Plaza Live Venue are deeply saddened by the tragic events of Friday evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost as well as those who witnessed and aided in the recovery after this senseless act.

We are closely working with The Orlando Police Department on this active law enforcement investigation and therefore necessarily defer specific questions to OPD’s Public Information Officer.

All activities and events at the Plaza Live Venue have been suspended until further notice. Grief counselors will be provided to the involved staff and we will be partnering with our concert promoter to support the artists and their families as appropriate. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support during this traumatic time.