© Steve Marcus / Reuters Christina Grimmie performs at a 2015 concert
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl of St. Petersburg, Florida, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he was tackled by the 22-year-old singer's brother in the Friday evening attack, Orlando police said.
Loibl is believed to have traveled to Orlando for the event. He had two loaded handguns, additional ammunition and a hunting knife at the time of the shooting, police said.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina told reporters the suspect did not appear to have a criminal record and there was no indication he and Grimmie knew each other. Mina said it appeared he may have been a deranged fan.
"We believe he came here to commit this crime," Mina said.
Grimmie, who had just performed as the opening act for the band Before You Exit, was inside the Plaza Live concert hall signing autographs at the time of the shooting.
The suspect approached Grimmie and opened fire. He was then rushed by the singer's brother.
"Her brother, Marcus, is a hero and possibly saved countless other lives. He is not injured," Orlando police said in a statement, adding there were about 120 people at the venue at the time.
Christina Grimmie was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and died early Saturday morning. The suspect died at the scene of the shooting.
Although patrons had their bags and purses checked for weapons at the venue, there were no metal detectors and the security guards were unarmed, Mina said.
Grimmie's brother mourned the loss of his sister in a Facebook post on Saturday.
"Christina was more than my sister," People magazine reported the post as saying.
and lost in the tragedy that immediately followed it.
Whatever beaming was going on in Orlando that day sure hit the mark.