Gunman Who Killed Voice Star Was 'Deranged Fan'

The suspected gunman who killed a popular singer in Florida has been identified by police.

It is believed Kevin Loibl had deliberately travelled to Christina Grimmie’s concert on Friday night at the Plaza Live venue in Orlando to attack her.

Investigators say the 27-year-old, from the Floridian city of St Petersburg, was armed with two handguns, a large hunting knife and two magazine guns full of additional ammunition.

Loibl killed himself with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after Grimmie’s brother tackled him.

The 22-year-old star, who was a former contestant on the American version of The Voice with a loyal following on YouTube, had died from her injuries after being taken to hospital.

Detectives are searching Loibl’s mobile phone and social media accounts for clues as to why he staged the shooting, but believe the alleged attacker had no history of stalking Grimmie and did not know her personally.

Orlando police chief John Mina said the actions of Grimmie’s brother Marcus were “very heroic and definitely could have prevented further loss of life”.

A note placed on Loibl’s front door at his home in St Peterburg expressed “the deepest sorrow to the family, friends and fans of the very talented, loving Christina Grimmie”.

Following her death, Marcus Grimmie wrote: “Christina was more than my sister. She was a partner in life. A superstar. A goofball. Introverted. And a friend to everyone. Genuinely.

"But above all … she was my baby sister. I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without her.”

Adam Levine, the Maroon 5 frontman who was her coach on The Voice in 2014, tweeted a photo he had taken with Grimmie, and said he was “absolutely devastated and heartbroken” at the news.

“This is yet another senseless act of violence,” he added. “I am left stunned and confused how these things can conceivably continue to happen in our world.”

Usher, who also coached on the series, added: “To an amazing soul and voice… may your legacy live on forever. Rest in peace beautiful Christina.”

Although the bags and purses of concertgoers were checked for weapons at the venue, there were no metal detectors or body searches at the entrance and the hall’s security guards were unarmed.

The attack has drawn a quick response from anti-gun campaigners.