Las Vegas Shooting, Over 50 Killed
Last updated 10/3/2017 at 3:28pm
A night to enjoy country music with friends and family took a deadly turn for the worst, as a gunman fired from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas at around 10 p.m. Sunday, killing at least 58 people and injuring 515 people.
This shooting marks the deadliest shooting in modern United States history.
More than 20,000 people attendance scrambled for their lives, as many frantically cared for the wounded. Many tweeted out saying they just "ran for our (their) lives" during the shooting, which is said to have lasted 10-15 minutes during Jason Aldean's set at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.
People thought it was fireworks going off, however when (bullet) shells were hitting the deck of the stage, those on stage ducked for cover and security guards told people to "go, go, go"
The Las Vegas Police Department say the lone suspect had at least 10 rifles when he was found dead in a Mandalay Bay hotel room. That suspect was 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, who brought the guns into the hotel by himself. Police say he had no prior criminal history, and shows he worked as an accountant and was a licensed hunter and private pilot. There is no clear motive as to why Paddock did this.
The massacre is said to not have any known links to overseas terrorism or terror groups, officials say.
Flights in and out of the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas were temporarily halted.
Eric Paddock, the suspected shooter’s brother, told ABC News, "We have no idea how or why this happened."
“As far as we know, Steve was perfectly fine,” Eric Paddock said.
Authorities initially said they were looking to speak with a companion of the shooter, Marilou Danley. Police later said this morning that "detectives have made contact with her and do not believe she is involved with the shooting." Police said she is out of the country and it's believed the suspect was using some of her identification.
Mandalay Bay Resort tweeted, "Our thoughts & prayers are with the victims of last night's tragic events. We’re grateful for the immediate actions of our first responders."
President Donald Trump addressed the public this morning, calling the shooting "an act of pure evil."
Trump said he will visit Las Vegas Wednesday to meet with law enforcement, first responders and victims' families.
"In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one," Trump said.
He added, "In memory of the fallen, I have directed that our great flag be flown at half staff."
Thousands of people in the community were lined up before dawn to help donate blood for the hundreds of victims hospitalized.
Those looking for information about loved ones still missing after the attack can call 866-535-5654.