Harris County officials dismiss Abbott Astroworld task force findings as blame game continues

Harris County Fire Laurie L. Christensen on Wednesday rejected findings issued by a state task force that highlighted some county policies related to the Astroworld tragedy. Soon after November’s Astroworld concert, which ended with the deaths of 10 people and dozens of others injured, Gov. Greg Abbott created a state task force to study the incident and provide recommendations on how to make such events safer. On Tuesday, the group released findings that noted the event permitting process is “inconsistent” across the state, and can lead to forum shopping by event promoters. The task force recommended a universal permitting template with a standardized checklist for counties to consult before issuing permits.

But the findings again raise the issue of responsibility for the Astroworld tragedy: Since it occurred, city and county officials have sought to avoid blame for the fiasco. The task force pointed to two state laws that have permitting requirements — one related to mass gatherings, and one related to outdoor music festivals. Both refer to county events, because incorporated municipalities can create their own ordinances. Echoing other county officials who spoke to the Chronicle, Christensen said she had reviewed the task force’s findings, but that the task force cited statutes that “simply do not apply” to the Astroworld event. The laws, she said, apply “only to performances outside the boundaries of a municipality.” “The fact the Astroworld event occurred within the City of Houston along with the (memorandum of understanding) between Harris County and the City of Houston clearly shows Harris County lacked any jurisdiction for permitting the Astroworld event,” she said. “Our office will continue reviewing the recommendations over the next several weeks.” The situation is complicated by the fact that although the Astroworld Festival took place on Harris County property, that property lies within Houston city limits. The city approved all permits for the event, but Houston Fire Chief Sam Peņa maintained that the city did not have ultimate authority over the event.