During Delaware's Firefly Festival on Friday night, Run the Jewels and Paul McCartney were among the array of artists who paid tribute to the Charleston, South Carolina Emanuel AME church shooting victims. The former Beatle headlined the fest, taking a reprieve before launching into "The Long and Winding Road," to pay respects to the nine killed at Charleston's historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church during bible study.
"Let's take a moment to pray for peace and harmony amongst people of different colors in the world," McCartney told the audience, notes Billboard. Hip-hop duo Run the Jewels also honored those who lost their lives with a dedication of "A Christmas F---king Miracle," reports Philly.com. "We're going to Europe on tour shortly," El-P announced. "We'll always bring with us the ridiculous tragic arrogance that America has provided us, everywhere we go," which the audience responded to by chanting "USA!"
Killer Mike continued to rant to fans with personal opinions on the Charleston tragedy via Twitter. "What happened in Charleston is an act of terror committed by a terrorist. Simple & plain. I wish those folks in that church had been armed," the rapper tweeted. "The most sickening part is 9 times outta 10 this terrorist prolly at some point has identified as Christian. Smh."
Saturday resulted in a slew of additional tweets from a disturbed and saddened Killer Mike. "Black People turn your TVs off and go sport shooting today. At the range, out side anywhere but learn to use a Gun. Stop being afraid. While you are outside fish, hunt, & camp too," the rapper tweeted. "I would like to ask any group of currently killed and oppressed people across the globe if they would like the right to take up arms?"
I'm not Saying hey all people get a gun if u don't want too fine, but, I cannot agree to say all guns are bad and help none.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) June 19, 2015
As a social activist, McCartney has voiced his opinions time and time again on recent U.S. calamities. In December, the musician exposed ideas on crafting a song inspired by Eric Garner, an unarmed black Staten Island native who passed while being seized by a police officer.
"I was thinking recently about all these protests in New York and around the country," McCartney said, notes Rolling Stone. "I thought it would be great to put something down about that, just to add my voice to the thousands of people walking in the streets. I thought it through, and it just didn't come easily. I'm not giving up on it, but it didn't come easily, whereas some other emotions might come easily to me."
