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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)
3.17pm BST
15:17
Dan Hernandez, reporting from Las Vegas, has spoken with two more survivors of the shooting.
“We heard the gunshots, ducked, try to find cover, once we heard a little break in the popping noise we took off running,” said Brian Schmidt, from Bismarck, North Dakota. “There was no time to think about anything. It was all reaction.”
He said that the adrenaline is still flowing, hours later: “As far as sitting down and reflecting on this, that process hasn’t started yet. I have no idea when it will.”
And he expressed thanks to city officials for reacting as quickly as they did. “They did everything they possibly could given me the circumstances. From the moment we ran into officers we felt safe.”
“We’re just very fortunate to be here.”
Survivors and evacuees who are unable to return to their hotel rooms are taking shelter in a large arena near the Mandalay Bay, the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Members of the community have dropped off blankets, water and food, and police are standing guard.
3.06pm BST
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Richard Luscombe
The suspect’s brother, Eric Paddock, has tolda local Florida station his family is “dumbfounded” by the shooting.
“We are completely dumbfounded,” he told WOFL-Channel 35, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “We can’t understand what happened.”
“We have absolutely no idea whatsoever,” Paddock said. “I can’t imagine. When you guys find out why this happened, let us know. I have no idea whatsoever.”
He said he would provide further comment to the press at some later point.
The suspect, Stephen Paddock, the suspect in the shooting, lived in central Florida as recently as 2015, according to several media outlets in the state.
Florida Today spoke to residents of Heritage Isle retirement community in Viera, where records show Paddock owned a two-bedroom house from 2013 until 2015. Mick Anderson, who bought the house from Paddock, said he never met or spoke with Paddock during the transaction.
“It was all done through my realtor and his realtor,” Anderson told the newspaper. “The only thing I can tell you is that the documents were regularly late.”
Next-door neighbours Don and Sharon Judy said they saw Paddock and his girlfriend only rarely during the two years he owned the property.
2.50pm BST
14:50
Local KTNV news has interviewed Anthony Kappenman, a shooting victim who was in the crowd around centre stage when the shooting broke out.
Kappenman said that when he first heard “repetitive popping” he thought it sounded like fireworks. He looked up to the sky to find them.
“On the second burst I instantly knew there were no fireworks.”
Kappenman said he has experience with guns and that he recognised the sound for what it was, grabbed a friend, and “started ushering her toward safety.”
“And then the crowd kind of picked up and realised there was gunfire. It was raining and hitting the concrete so you could hear it,” he said.
As the realisation set in, so did panic. People in the crowd starting running and “trampling” each other, Kappenman said, describing it as “pandemonium”.
“I grabbed my friend and held her close, tried to keep her at a good pace” – and then shots started landing near her. She jumped for cover as the shots grew closer. “I had one probably miss my head by about two inches.”
As he helped his friend back up to get running again, he was struck by shrapnel in his chin – and then shot in the leg. Around them, he said, “people were trying to jump the fence, really anything they could do to scramble to safety”.
The whole episode lasted somewhere between five to 10 minutes, he thinks – an eternity of nearly constant gunfire.
“I was getting to the back of the festival ground and I could still hear shots ringing out,” he said.
Kappenman reached the hospital, where doctors told him the bullet had entered his bone. Another of his friends was hit in the calf; his other friend escaped from injury.
Updated
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
Matthew WeaverMatthew 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.”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.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.Some flights have resumed at the city’s McCarran international airport after all planes were temporarily grounded on Sunday evening.
UpdatedUpdated
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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 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.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.“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.”“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this incident as we work to support the Las Vegas community.”
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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
13:5913:59
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.
UpdatedUpdated
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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
1.45pm BST1.45pm 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.52pm BSTat 1.52pm BST
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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
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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.
1.21pm BST1.21pm BST
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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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at 1.11pm BSTat 1.11pm BST