A couple of weeks ago in San Francisco, UK based DJ, Carl Cox, tore up the decks and rocked the house at Mighty on a foggy Thursday night. Days later, (November 3rd) at a gig in Caracus, Venezuela, a gunman opened fire on the dance floor of 7000, killing 4 people and wounding 9 when he was 10 minutes into his set. Forums and chat rooms in the online community have been buzzing with people defending the dance music vibe, talking about where the scene is headed and wondering why something like this would happen.

The following day, Carl Cox released this statement posted on his website:
“I am deeply shocked and still stunned by the events of Saturday [3rd November]. My condolences go out to victims that were caught up in the horrific act that took place at this gig. I am informed that it was gang related, and feel so sad that anybody would act in such a manner when the event was full of 7000 people having fun. I find it such a sad moment in electronic music as this was probably one of the best set up shows I had played in South America – a sign of real progress…yet utterly hijacked by this mindless act. Again, my heart goes out to those that have died or been injured. This is NOT what the dance scene is about and is a million miles away from what I want to do, or promote.”

Of course, this was the right statement to make, but there’s a part of me that’s annoyed that the dance scene needs to be defended at all. Whoever brought the gun to this dj club not only made it past security without a problem, but I assume they were brazen enough to attempt it because the precedent for searching individuals was not there either.

Reports from the crowd confirmed that there was no security, no metal detectors, nothing. From an outsiders perspective, putting 7000 people in a building in a dangerous city, with no security is pure and simple greed on the promoters part. Ironically, Carl Cox is the only person from the event that has issued a statement of concern. Nothing from the dj club, nothing from the promoters.

If you want to see it, the VJ at the event caught it on tape and of course posted online. A word of caution, it ain’t pretty. Just be glad we’re not partying in Caracus.
Shooting at Carl Cox event video