UPDATED: Over 50 Killed at Las Vegas Concert, Deadliest Mass Shooting in US History
At least 59 people were killed on Sunday night in Las Vegas at a country music concert, after a “lone wolf” gunman opened fire on the crowd… making this the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. (This version updated at 15h10 SA Time.) The fatalities at the Route 91 Harvest Festival included two off-duty policemen, […]
At least 59 people were killed on Sunday night in Las Vegas at a country music concert, after a “lone wolf” gunman opened fire on the crowd… making this the deadliest mass shooting in United States history. (This version updated at 15h10 SA Time.)
The fatalities at the Route 91 Harvest Festival included two off-duty policemen, according to the Las Vegas police department sheriff. He said at least 527 other concert-goers were injured when the man opened fire from the 32nd floor of a neighbouring hotel (Mandalay Bay).
A witness said the outbursts of gunfire could be heard for over five minutes. The gunman was firing at the crowd of approximately 30,000 people.
Sheriff Joseph Lombardo told a press conference that police used a “controlled explosion” to gain access to the room from which the man, a local, was shooting. He had been staying in the hotel room since 28 September.
In early reports it was said that the “lone wolf attacker” was confronted and fatally wounded by police officers. However it is now being reported that the man had already killed himself when officers entered the room. “The primary aggressor is dead. The scene is static,” said Lombardo this morning.
Sheriff Lombardo said in an update: “Obviously this is a tragic incident and one that we have never experienced in this valley. My condolences go out to the loved ones.”
He named the shooter as 64-year-old Nevada man Stephen Paddock and said that “we located numerous firearms within the room that he occupied. All’s we know is that they were rifles.” Ten rifles were apparently found, and Paddock has no previous police record.
Lombardo said police have located his two vehicles and “person of interest”, Marilou Danley, believed to be the shooter’s companion.
Country singer Jason Aldean, who was reportedly on stage at the time, said on Instagram: “Tonight has been beyond horrific. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night.”
Facebook has activated its safety check for Las Vegas.
Watch shooting at Las Vegas country music concert
Dramatic video shows people scrambling for cover as gunfire rings out in Las Vegas. "I have to stay on top of you." https://t.co/VGQ5ok2U6G pic.twitter.com/7XCBLJy6P2
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 2, 2017
Watch the moment the shooting starts at Las Vegas country music concert
Footage shows the moment the sound of gunfire stops a Las Vegas concert. There are reports of multiple injuries pic.twitter.com/y5x0bA1F8N
— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 2, 2017
This man, Stephen Paddock, has just killed 50 and wounded 200 people in Las Vegas.
Media still not calling this a Terrorist Attack! 🤔 pic.twitter.com/0QoEb3cShf
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) October 2, 2017
Las Vegas airport temporary closed by mass shooting; delays continue https://t.co/XOpGk62iEy pic.twitter.com/844GtP58XU
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) October 2, 2017
Las Vegas Police release clearer photo of "person of interest" Mary Lou Danley. She is 4'11" tall.
CALL 911 if you see her. pic.twitter.com/pfVl0YQ3tF
— Hurricane Watcher 🇺🇦 | #DemocracyWins (@FreedomFriesInc) October 2, 2017
"Las Vegas" #LasVegasShootings Amazing bravery from this lady and her husband, all they could think of was how to help others, kudos! pic.twitter.com/ld8mje8iv4
— Timjbo 🇦🇺 (@Tim_jbo) October 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/OldBlackHack/status/914789284187639808
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZvRZnogBrI/
Photo shows broken windows on 32nd floor of Las Vegas hotel where a gunman opened fire on a music festival below https://t.co/7nE5kzGEdk pic.twitter.com/be1Ivxy1gm
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) October 2, 2017
Without providing evidence, Islamic State claims Las Vegas attack, says shooter converted to Islam months ago. https://t.co/6DrudYGLoq
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 2, 2017
Messages from former President Barack Obama and current President Donald Trump
Michelle & I are praying for the victims in Las Vegas. Our thoughts are with their families & everyone enduring another senseless tragedy.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 2, 2017
My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2017
Update Tuesday 03 October 2017:
The "city of Las Vegas" was successful in saving more than 527 lives following the mass shooting, paramedic says https://t.co/2UcGR4kERF pic.twitter.com/ib9bXPLRFG
— CNN (@CNN) October 3, 2017