Travis Scott's Astroworld Staff Were Instructed To Call Dead Concertgoers 'Smurfs'
Nov. 9 2021, Published 5:49 p.m. ET
The team behind Travis Scott’s Astroworld instructed security members not to mention the word “dead” over the radio.
The plan had a section that detailed how employees should react if a attendee died or was having medical issues.
Security was told to notify “Event Control of suspected deceased victim utilizing the code” Smurf. The document made it clear they were not to use the term “dead” or “deceased.”
The 2021 plan did not mention how to deal with a crowd surge or stampede, which is what is believed to have went down over the weekend.
The event planner did create a strategy in the case of an active shooter or bomb threat. Smurf was not the only code word in the book. Security was told to utilize “Code Adam” on the radio if a child went missing.
"The potential for multiple alcohol/drug related incidents, possible evacuation needs, and the ever-present threat of a mass casualty situation are identified as key concerns," the document read.
The event promoter and Live Nation met with Houston Police this week. They turned over security footage from the incident. "Throughout the weekend, we have been working to provide local authorities with everything they need from us in order to complete their investigation and get everyone the answers they are looking for," the organizers said.
The Houston Police Department's criminal investigation is ongoing as they try to determine who is responsible for the 8 people who died at Astroworld.
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Scott is currently facing 20+ lawsuits over the incident. He is accused of not providing adequate security for the crowd of 50,000. The police chief claims to have warned Scott of his concerns prior to the show. Scott reportedly ignored the warnings and went forward with his set.
