Ariana Grande's mother, Joan Grande, helped multiple fans get to safety following the bombing at Manchester Arena Monday night. Joan was reportedly able to usher "a number of fans" to the backstage area after hearing the explosion,ABC News reported Tuesday, confirming a previous report from TMZ.
According toTMZ, witnesses said Joan was already on her way backstage to see her daughter when the explosion occurred. A group of nearby fleeing concert attendees, "possibly as many as 10," were then reportedly taken by Joan and security officials to the backstage area, where they waited until a safe exit from the building was possible.
E! Newsreported Tuesday that Ariana and Joan Grande have since returned to their hometown of Boca Raton, Florida. Mac Miller reportedly met them at the airport. "When Ariana got off the plane, Mac greeted her on the tarmac with a long hug followed by a kiss," E!'s source said. "Mac also gave Ariana's mom a hug. It was a very emotional reunion and they stood talking for a minute before getting into the car."
Ariana issued a brief statement on the tragedy via Twitter Monday:
Related Stories
Everything We Know About the Manchester Arena Bombing So Far
At least 22 people were killed and about 60 people were injured when a bomb was detonated after an Ariana Grande show at Manchester Arena.
Ariana Grande Shares Message After Manchester Explosion: ‘I Don't Have Words’
Grande's team, as well as the singer herself, respond to the Manchester arena attack.
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Manchester Bombing Without Offering Evidence
The terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for attacks in the past with which it had no connection.
Greater Manchester Police said Tuesday that the bombing left 22 people dead and injured 59 others. "We now have a team of specially-trained Family Liaison Officers who are supporting families," Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins told reporters. "There has been much speculation and names of those who may have been killed in the media and social media. We accept that this is inevitable, however, we ask that people allow the police and coroner to release the names once the families are ready and appropriately supported."
Police confirmed the suspect to be 22-year-old Salman Abedi after U.S. officials gave the name to reporters "apparently against the wishes" of British authorities, the Guardianreported. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the activity, despite presenting no evidence. Police, the Guardian added, have also found no supporting evidence for ISIS' claim.
