At least 58 people are dead and 527 were injured in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 1, in what is now the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Here’s everything we know so far.
What Happened?
Jason Aldean was performing outside for a crowd of 22,000 people during the Route 91 Harvest music festival when his set was interrupted by the sound of automatic gunfire just after 10 p.m. local time. The country singer, 40, immediately ran backstage as concertgoers ducked for cover. Many people initially believed the sound was fireworks before realizing that it had actually been a gunman opening fire from the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
The Suspect
Authorities identified the shooting suspect as Stephen Paddock, a 64-year-old male from Mesquite, Nevada. Police confirmed that Paddock died in his hotel room of a self-inflicted gunshot wound before they used an explosive to break down his door. At least 23 weapons, many of them rifles, were discovered inside.
Police believe Paddock was the sole shooter, though his motive is unclear. The FBI said he had no connections to an international terrorist group. In an interview with NBC News on Monday, October 2, Paddock’s brother Eric said their family is “completely dumbfounded” by the news, adding, “We are completely at a loss.”
At least 19 additional firearms, explosives and several thousand rounds of ammunition were found at the gunman’s home on Monday night. SWAT teams are also standing by at a home in northern Nevada, according to CNN.
The Suspect’s Companion
Officials located and questioned a 62-year-old woman named Marilou Danley, who reportedly lived with Paddock in a retirement community in Mesquite. However, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department clarified in a statement early Monday that she is “no longer being sought out as a person of interest” and they “do not believe she is involved.”
Reactions
President Donald Trump took to Twitter on Monday morning to address the news. “My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!” he wrote. Former president Barack Obama tweeted, “Michelle & I are praying for the victims in Las Vegas. Our thoughts are with their families & everyone enduring another senseless tragedy.”
Aldean also broke his silence, writing on Instagram, “Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken #stopthehate.”
How to Help
According to the LVMPD, families trying to locate missing loved ones should call 1-800-536-9488. Anyone with photos or videos from the shooting are being asked to call 1-800-255-5324. Those who would like to donate blood to the injured victims can visit the Labor Health & Welfare Clinic on 7135 W. Sahara Avenue in Las Vegas.
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