Horrific events unfolded this past weekend as a 24-year-old man conducted a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio. He killed nine and injured 27 before being killed by the police. He was wearing a hoodie from The Acacia Strain causing ignorance from some in blaming the music for the tragedy… This is, of course, a ridiculous view of the situation as it always has been…
Suspect in #Dayton shooting was wearing shorts with a black sweatshirt that read: "No heart to fear, no soul to steal."
The slogan is believed to be from a hateful and vengeful song called Ramirez by The Acacia Strain, a metalcore band.
— Jim Heath (@JimHeathTV) August 4, 2019
The Acacia Strain vocalist Vincent Bennett spoke out to condemn the shooter in turn:
What happened in Dayton is horrifying. Even more so to know that the shooter was wearing a TAS hoodie is making me sick. There is no excuse for this. Anyone who knows anything knows we don’t condone this behavior. No one has the right to take another’s life.
— low-carb vincent. (@xDIAMONDCUTx) August 4, 2019
We will be taking action to help the families of the victims however we can.
— low-carb vincent. (@xDIAMONDCUTx) August 4, 2019
I’m fucking shaking.
— low-carb vincent. (@xDIAMONDCUTx) August 4, 2019
Music is an outlet. Music should purify. Use art as a positive outlet to your negative emotions. If you feel angry – turn to music, turn to creation. This has to stop.
— low-carb vincent. (@xDIAMONDCUTx) August 4, 2019
This was addressed at the band’s recent Milwaukee show as well:
The Acacia Strain: Facebook // MySpace // Merch
