The largest mass shooting in U.S. history happened in Las Vegas last night, and this is what we know
Facts are still pouring in about Sunday night’s mass shooting in Las Vegas — the deadliest mass shooting in United States’ history. As of right now, 58 people are confirmed dead and over 500 have suffered injuries from the attack. The gunman has been identified as Stephen Paddock, a 64-year-old retired man from Mesquite, Nevada.
The shooting took place during Jason Aldean’s performance at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Aldean was immediately taken offstage as people realized something was wrong. Then, witnesses shared that concert goers “hit the floor” and the gunfire seemingly lasted forever.
According to NBC News, Paddock acted alone from the 32nd floor of Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay hotel.
SWAT officers found Paddock dead in his hotel room, and Las Vegas Police Undersheriff Kevin McMahill told CNN that officers found at least eight weapons in Paddock’s possession.
WATCH: Witness video shows 22,000-person concert as gunman opens fire from 32nd floor of Las Vegas hotel. https://t.co/OMMlwif54N pic.twitter.com/PhKnK8fMdM
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) October 2, 2017
At least one responding police officer was killed and several other officers were injured during their raid on Paddock.
Couple uses their truck as a makeshift ambulance to carry victims of the Las Vegas shooting to the hospital. https://t.co/BZcrV0KCzL pic.twitter.com/JDMW9sTpRR
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 2, 2017
Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said during a press conference that officials are currently attempting to figure out Paddock’s motive. The Washington Post reports that police have located Paddocks’ “traveling companion,” Marilou Danley — who is out of the country at this time — and questioned her about the shooting. Investigators do not currently believe she is involved.
Updated: Las Vegas death toll rises to 50, making it the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history https://t.co/fqX3roJBk4 pic.twitter.com/SenlIwjPss
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) October 2, 2017
Local hospitals are full of injured victims, and the death toll is expected to rise. If you’re in the Las Vegas area, check out your local clinics here to donate blood to victims who need it.
We’re sending our prayers and thoughts to every single person affected by this immense, unnecessary tragedy, and holding our loved ones close today.
