Country reacts to Thousand Oaks shootings

The shootings occurred at about 11:45 p.m. Wednesday when Ian David Young, 28, allegedly shot a security guard outside the club and then went inside to shoot people. Many college students were in the crowd because the night was billed as a chance for college students to line dance to country music.

Some of the people at the club were also at the deadly Las Vegas Route 91 Festival shooting at Jason Aldean's concert. One of the people who died, Telemachus Orfanos, was also at the other show.

Among the dead was Ventura County Deputy Ron Helus, who exchanged gunfire with Young, who was an ex-Marine.

"Though broken, my heart is with these families and friends in Thousand Oaks today," Brad Paisley tweeted.

Jon Pardi said, "Another tragedy, and this time in my home state of California. My heart goes out to the people who lost their lives in Thousand Oaks last night, along with those who suffered injuries. Praying for their family and friends as well."

John Rich of Big and Rich said via Twitter, "Waking up in NYC to the terrible news in California that 12 were killed in a country bar last night. 1 officer killed in the line of duty as he ran toward the shooter to save lives. Join me in asking the Holy Spirit to pull those families close this morning. #Californiashooting."

Many artists, including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood and Garth Brooks offered no comment on social media.