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Las Vegas shooting: death toll rises to 50 as police name suspect – latest updates Las Vegas shooting: death toll rises to 50 as police name suspect – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
2.19pm BST
14:19
What we know so far
Matthew Weaver
At least 50 people have been killed and more than 400 injured at a country music festival in Las Vegas, in the worst mass shooting in US history. Two police officers, including one who was an off-duty member of the Las Vegas police department, are among the dead.
The shooter was named by police as Stephen Paddock, 64. Police say they believe he killed himself before officers raided his his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel, from where he fired multiple rounds at concertgoers at the Route 91 harvest country music festival.
Police found at least 10 guns in Paddock’s room. He had been staying in the room since 28 September.
Paddock was described as a “lone wolf” with no known links to terrorist groups. His motives are unknown and he had no police record. A spokesman for the US Department of Homeland Security says there is no information to indicate a “specific credible threat” to other public venues.
Police have found Paddock’s “companion”, Marilou Danley. They said she was out of the country and has been questioned by the police.
Paddock’s house in Mesquite, Nevada is being searched. His two vehicles have been found. Public records listed previous addresses for Paddock in Texas and California, as well as a 2010 licence to hunt and fish in Alaska.
Donald Trump tweeted his condolences and sympathies. His planned trip to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico has been delayed.
Jason Aldean, the country music star who was performing as the shooting took place, described the scene as “beyond horrific”. He said he and his crew were safe, but added: “It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night.”
Concertgoers reported seeing muzzle flashes from the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay hotel and several videos of the aftermath show hundreds of people fleeing in panic as shots continued. Around 22,000 people were attending the concert when Paddock opened fire.
Some flights have resumed at the city’s McCarran international airport after all planes were temporarily grounded on Sunday evening.
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The Department of Homeland Security has repeated the sheriff’s assessment of the current situation in Las Vegas. Acting secretary Elaine Duke said in a statement that there is no “specific credible threat involving other public venues” at this moment.
The department is closely monitoring the situation and working with our federal, state, and local partners in responding to and investigating this tragedy.
“At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific credible threat involving other public venues in the country. However, increased security in and around public places and events may be experienced as officials take additional precautions.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this incident as we work to support the Las Vegas community.”
Updated
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Lombardo says the police have found nothing to suggest a motive for Paddock’s attack.Lombardo says the police have found nothing to suggest a motive for Paddock’s attack.
Asked why they did not regard the attack as domestic terrorism, Lombardo said:Asked why they did not regard the attack as domestic terrorism, Lombardo said:
We have to establish what his motivation is first. There is motiving factors associated with terrorism other than a distraught person just intending to cause mass casualty. Before we label with that it will be a matter of process.We have to establish what his motivation is first. There is motiving factors associated with terrorism other than a distraught person just intending to cause mass casualty. Before we label with that it will be a matter of process.
Asked whether investigators had found anything to suggest a motive, the sheriff said: “We have not located any items within the room or his house [that would indicate motive].”Asked whether investigators had found anything to suggest a motive, the sheriff said: “We have not located any items within the room or his house [that would indicate motive].”
He also revealed that Paddock had been staying in the room since last Thursday.He also revealed that Paddock had been staying in the room since last Thursday.
We have information that he has been there [in the hotel room] since the 28 September. I have no idea whether he prevented the house keepers from entering the room or not. That is a matter for continued investigation.We have information that he has been there [in the hotel room] since the 28 September. I have no idea whether he prevented the house keepers from entering the room or not. That is a matter for continued investigation.
1.59pm BST1.59pm BST
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Police: 'Paddock killed himself'Police: 'Paddock killed himself'
Sheriff Joe Lombardo is giving another press conference. He confirms that more than 50 people were killed and more than 400 were injured in the attack.Sheriff Joe Lombardo is giving another press conference. He confirms that more than 50 people were killed and more than 400 were injured in the attack.
He says there is nothing “derogatory” in the background of the suspect, Stephen Paddock.He says there is nothing “derogatory” in the background of the suspect, Stephen Paddock.
“We believe the individual killed himself prior to our entry,” Lombardo said.“We believe the individual killed himself prior to our entry,” Lombardo said.
Some 10 weapons were found in his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel.Some 10 weapons were found in his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel.
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A spokesman for the US Department of Homeland Security says there is no information to indicate a “specific credible threat” to other public venues in US after the Las Vegas shooting.A spokesman for the US Department of Homeland Security says there is no information to indicate a “specific credible threat” to other public venues in US after the Las Vegas shooting.
At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific credible threat involving other public venues in the country.At this time, we have no information to indicate a specific credible threat involving other public venues in the country.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.50pm BSTat 1.50pm BST
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More than 400 wounded, Paddock found deadMore than 400 wounded, Paddock found dead
More than 400 people wounded in the attack have been treated in hospital, according to a new update from the police.More than 400 people wounded in the attack have been treated in hospital, according to a new update from the police.
In a new press release it confirmed that Paddock was found dead in his room.In a new press release it confirmed that Paddock was found dead in his room.
The Las Vegas metropolitan police department identified the lone suspect involved in the late night mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip as 64-year-old, Stephen Craig Paddock, a white male from Mesquite, Nevada.The Las Vegas metropolitan police department identified the lone suspect involved in the late night mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip as 64-year-old, Stephen Craig Paddock, a white male from Mesquite, Nevada.
Paddock opened fire on a crowd of more than 22,000 concert-goers from his hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel on Sunday evening at approximately 10:08pm.Paddock opened fire on a crowd of more than 22,000 concert-goers from his hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel on Sunday evening at approximately 10:08pm.
The victims were across the street attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert when bullets rang out. LVMPD Swat responded to the call, breached the hotel room and found the suspect dead. The Clark County fire department estimated that approximately 406 people were transported to area hospitals and 50 are dead following Sunday evening’s shooting.The victims were across the street attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival concert when bullets rang out. LVMPD Swat responded to the call, breached the hotel room and found the suspect dead. The Clark County fire department estimated that approximately 406 people were transported to area hospitals and 50 are dead following Sunday evening’s shooting.
Among the dead is an LVMPD officer who was off-duty at the time. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. There were also two on-duty officers injured, one of whom was upgraded recently from critical to stable condition. The other sustained non-life threatening wounds.Among the dead is an LVMPD officer who was off-duty at the time. His name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. There were also two on-duty officers injured, one of whom was upgraded recently from critical to stable condition. The other sustained non-life threatening wounds.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations is asking for anyone with videos or photos concerning the shooting to call 1-800-CALLFBI or (800) 225-5324. LVMPD and Clark County coroner’s office have set up a hotline for family or friends to report a missing loved one connected to this incident. The hotline is only to take reports on missing people. The number is (866) 535-5654. LVMPD also opened up a family reunification centre at its headquarters at 400 S. Martin L King Blvd in Building B.The Federal Bureau of Investigations is asking for anyone with videos or photos concerning the shooting to call 1-800-CALLFBI or (800) 225-5324. LVMPD and Clark County coroner’s office have set up a hotline for family or friends to report a missing loved one connected to this incident. The hotline is only to take reports on missing people. The number is (866) 535-5654. LVMPD also opened up a family reunification centre at its headquarters at 400 S. Martin L King Blvd in Building B.
The identification process of all of the injured and the deceased will take time, so authorities are asking the public for patience.The identification process of all of the injured and the deceased will take time, so authorities are asking the public for patience.
Anyone wishing to help is asked to donate blood for the injured victims of the Strip shooting. United Blood Services will start taking donations at 7am at two locations: 6930 W. Charleston in Las Vegas or 601 Whitney Ranch Drive in Henderson. UMC will also be hosting a blood drive in conjunction with United Blood Services.Anyone wishing to help is asked to donate blood for the injured victims of the Strip shooting. United Blood Services will start taking donations at 7am at two locations: 6930 W. Charleston in Las Vegas or 601 Whitney Ranch Drive in Henderson. UMC will also be hosting a blood drive in conjunction with United Blood Services.
It will be held at UMC’s Delta Point Building located at 901 N Rancho Lane. There will be updates as to the exact time of the blood drive as more information is available.It will be held at UMC’s Delta Point Building located at 901 N Rancho Lane. There will be updates as to the exact time of the blood drive as more information is available.
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Paddock may have shot himself, according to McMahill.Paddock may have shot himself, according to McMahill.
Speaking to CNN he added: “He was shot. I cannot tell you that it was the police that shot him. He may have self-inflicted that gunshot wound. Those details are still emerging.”Speaking to CNN he added: “He was shot. I cannot tell you that it was the police that shot him. He may have self-inflicted that gunshot wound. Those details are still emerging.”
He added: “A number of long rifles were in that room. I would say there were at least eight guns up there.”He added: “A number of long rifles were in that room. I would say there were at least eight guns up there.”
McMahill reported that the number of wounded people in the attack is likely to rise above the more than 200 figure given by Lombardo earlier.McMahill reported that the number of wounded people in the attack is likely to rise above the more than 200 figure given by Lombardo earlier.
He said: “We continue to receive reports from all of our area hospitals where individuals self-transported themselves. So that number of injured individuals I anticipate to continue to climb over the next couple of hours.”He said: “We continue to receive reports from all of our area hospitals where individuals self-transported themselves. So that number of injured individuals I anticipate to continue to climb over the next couple of hours.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.41pm BSTat 1.41pm BST
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Las Vegas undersheriff Kevin McMahill says at least eight guns were found in the hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel where Stephen Paddock launched his deadly attack.Las Vegas undersheriff Kevin McMahill says at least eight guns were found in the hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel where Stephen Paddock launched his deadly attack.
“This is a day I wish I never had to see in my 27 years of law enforcement,” he told CNN.“This is a day I wish I never had to see in my 27 years of law enforcement,” he told CNN.
He said the scene was the most disturbing he had ever seen in his career. “We just didn’t see it coming,” McMahill said.He said the scene was the most disturbing he had ever seen in his career. “We just didn’t see it coming,” McMahill said.
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Lois BeckettLois Beckett
Paddock, 64, was a resident of Mesquite, Nevada, a retirement and golf community of about 20,000 people, a police spokesman confirmed.Paddock, 64, was a resident of Mesquite, Nevada, a retirement and golf community of about 20,000 people, a police spokesman confirmed.
“We don’t have a lot on Mr Paddock,” Mesquite police spokesman Quinn Averett said. Mesquite PD records held no report of any contact with Paddock, Averett said. No calls for service, no arrests, not even a record of a traffic stop.“We don’t have a lot on Mr Paddock,” Mesquite police spokesman Quinn Averett said. Mesquite PD records held no report of any contact with Paddock, Averett said. No calls for service, no arrests, not even a record of a traffic stop.
Mesquite is just minutes away from Bunkerville, Nevada, the site of an armed standoff at the Bundy Ranch between federal agents and a ranch family and the citizen militia members who came to support them.Mesquite is just minutes away from Bunkerville, Nevada, the site of an armed standoff at the Bundy Ranch between federal agents and a ranch family and the citizen militia members who came to support them.
Mesquite typically sees about one murder a year, Averett said.Mesquite typically sees about one murder a year, Averett said.
Public records listed previous addresses for Stephen Paddock in Texas and California, as well as a 2010 license to hunt and fish in Alaska.Public records listed previous addresses for Stephen Paddock in Texas and California, as well as a 2010 license to hunt and fish in Alaska.
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The British foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said Foreign Office staff are trying to establish whether any British citizens were caught up in the attack.The British foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, said Foreign Office staff are trying to establish whether any British citizens were caught up in the attack.
In a statement he said:In a statement he said:
I am horrified by the awful attack at a music festival in Las Vegas this morning. The United Kingdom stands with the American people against this indiscriminate violence. My thoughts are with all those caught up in it.I am horrified by the awful attack at a music festival in Las Vegas this morning. The United Kingdom stands with the American people against this indiscriminate violence. My thoughts are with all those caught up in it.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is in contact with Las Vegas authorities to establish whether any British people were caught up in the attack and we are ready to help however we can. Any British people in Las Vegas should follow the instructions of local authorities.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is in contact with Las Vegas authorities to establish whether any British people were caught up in the attack and we are ready to help however we can. Any British people in Las Vegas should follow the instructions of local authorities.
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British tennis player Laura Robson was among the survivors, according to PA.
Laura Robson unharmed after attending concert in Las Vegas targeted by gunmanhttps://t.co/wyH8X1JfV6
“I’m OK,” BBC Sport reported her saying on social media.
Updated
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Las Vegas police department has so far confirmed that two off-duty police officers were among more than 50 people killed in the attack. One worked for the LVPD. At least two on-duty officers were also injured in the attack. One is in a stable condition after surgery and another with minor injuries.
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The US vice president, Mike Pence, has also tweeted his condolences.
To victims, families & loved ones affected by this senseless violence in Las Vegas, Karen & I are praying for you & offering our love...
Donald Trump expressed similar sentiments, but apart from one tweet has said nothing else about the attack.
Updated
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Lois Beckett
Police in Mesquite, where Paddock’s home is being searched, say he did not have a criminal record.
“We don’t have a lot on Mr Paddock. He does live here in our city. We have not had any law enforcement contact with him in the past,” Quinn Averett, a spokesman for the Mesquite police department, said.
In their records, there is no report of any contact with Paddock – no calls for service, no arrests, not even a record of a traffic stop.
Mesquite is a quiet city of about 20,000 people, a “retirement and golf community” with three large casinos that averages about one murder a year, Averett said.
Updated
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12:27
What we know so far
At least 50 people have been killed and more than 200 injured at a country music festival in Las Vegas, in the worst mass shooting in US history. Two police officers are among the dead.
The shooter was named by police as Stephen Paddock, 64. Several rifles were found in his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel, from where he fired multiple rounds at concertgoers at the Route 91 harvest country music festival.
Paddock was described as a “lone wolf” with no known links to terrorist groups. His motives are unknown. A Swat team used a controlled explosion to enter his hotel room before shooting him dead.
Police believe they have located Paddock’s companion, Marilou Danley, after launching a public hunt for her. She is wanted for questioning and is described as a person of interest.
Paddock’s house in Mesquite, Nevada is being searched. His two vehicles have been found.
Donald Trump tweeted his condolences and sympathies. His planned trip to hurricane-hit Puerto Rico has been delayed.
Jason Aldean, the country music star who was performing as the shooting took place, described the scene as “beyond horrific”. He said he and his crew were safe, but added: “It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night.”
Concertgoers reported seeing muzzle flashes from the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay hotel and several videos of the aftermath show hundreds of people fleeing in panic as shots continued. Around 22,000 people were attending the concert.
Some flights have resumed at the city’s McCarran International airport after all planes were temporarily grounded on Sunday evening.
Updated
at 1.39pm BST
12.14pm BST
12:14
Trump tweets condolences
The White House says Donald Trump is being briefed about the shooting. He just put out this tweet to express condolences.
My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!
12.11pm BST
12:11
Rachel Aroesti
The shooting happened during a concert by country music star Jason Aldean. As reported earlier, he put out a statement to express his horror at the events and to reassure fans that he and his crew were safe.
Seven albums into his career, Aldean is one of the most successful country music artists in the world.
Born in Georgia in 1977, Aldean moved to Nashville at the age of 21. He initially struggled to break into the industry following a series of failed record contracts.
Eventually, in 2005, he released his self-titled debut album, which gave him his first No 1 single on the US country charts.
The album went platinum, a record also achieved by Aldean’s following five releases – his sales peaking with 2010’s My Kinda Party, which was certified triple-platinum.
Over the years, Aldean has worked with acts including Bryan Adams, Kelly Clarkson and Ludacris, and in 2015 was announced as the only country musician to become a partner in Jay-Z’s streaming service Tidal.
In 2016, Forbes estimated Aldean’s annual income at $36.5m, making him the fifth highest paid country music act in the world.
Aldean is married to the former American Idol contestant Brittany Kerr, who is pregnant with the couple’s first child. He has two daughters from a previous marriage.
Updated
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12:06
Here are the main points and quotes from Lombardo’s latest press conference.
Deadliest multiple shooting in US history
We are looking at in excess of 50 individuals dead and over 200 individuals injured ... Obviously this is a tragic incident and one that we have never experienced in this valley. My condolences go out to the loved ones.
That number for family and friends to get an update on loved ones is 1866 535 5654.
One Las Vegas police officer among dead
One [of our officers] was critical but is stable and one of my officers was off duty attending the concert and lost his life.
Suspect named
The suspect’s name is Stephen Paddock, with a date of birth of four nine of 1953. As far as history and background, we haven’t completed that part of the investigation.
Several rifles were found in Paddock’s room
We located numerous firearms within the room that he occupied. All’s we know is that they were rifles. We are executing a search warrant on the room. We have officers at his residence, and we will be executing a search warrant there also shortly.
It is going to be a long and tedious investigation. We are bringing in all the resources of the FBI to assist us in this investigation, in particular to their victim witness advocates and their CSI folks to help us process the scene and ensure that we are getting all the evidence that we can possibly obtain.
Police are confident they have located Paddock’s companion Marilou Danley
We have located the vehicles that I had put out in the first briefing. We are confident but not 100% sure that we have located the female person of interest. I want the people to feel confident and calm that we have accomplished a lot in short period of time.
Updated
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11.45am BST
11:45
Deadliest mass shooting in US history
The death toll of at least 50 people killed makes this the deadliest mass shooting in US history.
At this time there is in excess of 50 deceased and over 200 injured individuals.
It surpasses the Orlando shooting at the Pulse nightclub in June 2016 when 49 people were killed.
Updated
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11.39am BST
11:39
One of the dead police officers worked for the LVPD but was off duty at the time, Lombardo says. Another one of the force’s officers is in a critical condition.
Updated
at 11.53am BST