Josh Abbott Band's guitarist Caleb Keeter has made national headlines after speaking out about gun control in the wake of the tragedy in Las Vegas

The Huffington PostNew York Times and other national news sources have written about Keeter's now-viral comments regarding gun control following what is now the most deadly mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Keeter, who had performed with the Josh Abbott Band at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas before the shooting occurred, witnessed the horrific event firsthand. Hundreds of people were injured and more than 50 were killed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival massacre on early Monday morning (Oct. 2).

"We need gun control RIGHT. NOW," Keeter said in a statement on Twitter. Formerly a major supporter of Second Amendment rights, Keeter is now speaking out about his complete change of heart.

Keeter continued: "Until the events of last night, I cannot express how wrong I was. We actually have members of our crew with CHL (concealed handgun licenses), and legal firearms on the bus. They were useless [during the shooting]," he wrote. "My biggest regret is that I stubbornly didn't realize [the need for gun control] until my brothers on the road were threatened by it."

The musician received criticism -- and applause -- for changing his position. Some argued that it took a brush with mortality for him to change his mind and that he lacked empathy.

The Josh Abbott Band was evacuated from The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino during the shooting. The band, crew and family were not injured.

You can read Keeter's full statement, as well as responses to it, below.

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