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Las Vegas shooting: death toll rises to 58 as police name suspect – latest updates Las Vegas shooting: death toll rises to 58 as police name suspect – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
7.23pm BST
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House minority leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, has written Paul Ryan, the Republican Speaker, to demand action on gun control in the aftermath of the shooting.
“Congress has a moral duty,” she writes, “to address this horrific and heartbreaking epidemic.”
Charged with the solemn duty to protect and defend the American people, we must respond to these tragedies with courage, unity and decisive action.
First, Congress must pass the bipartisan King-Thompson legislation to strengthen the life-saving background checks that keep guns out of the wrong hands. But this is only a first step.
I urge you to create a Select Committee on Gun Violence to study and report back common sense legislation to help end this crisis. The bipartisan committee would make recommendations to prevent unpseakable tragedies such as the mass shooting in Las Vegas and to restore confidence in the safety of our communities.
The White House, however, has resisted calls to action.
“There is a time and place for a political debate. But this is a time to unite as a country,” said spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“It would be premature to discuss policy when we don’t fully know all the facts or what took place last night.”
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The suspect’s brother, Eric Paddock, has told television networks that their father was a bank robber who spent time on the FBI’s “Most Wanted” list, but that he was not a part of the family’s life.
“My father was on the top 10 list for a while. His name was Benjamin Hoskins Paddock. We didn’t know him. I didn’t know him. He was in jail and broken out of jail.”
Paddock echoed police about his brother’s non-existent criminal record. “He doesn’t even have parking tickets,” he said.
“He was a wealthy guy and he liked to play video poker. He went on cruises. He sent his mother cookies, big crazy boxes of cookies and stuff.”
Archived newspapers from the 1960s show that Benjamin Paddock was wanted for bank robberies in Arizona. A clipping from 6 October 1960, from the Arizona Republic, calls Paddock “a three-time bank robber”and “garbage disposal sales and service man” from Tucson. The article says he was arrested and indicted that year for robbing Phoenix banks of about $25,000.
A 1971 clipping from the Tucson Daily Citizen said that the bank robber was named to the FBI’s list after he escaped a Texas prison in 1968. The article says that before his 1960 arrest Paddock lived in Tucson with a wife and four children.
An FBI poster from the era names Benjamin Hoskins Paddock – along with several aliases, including “Chromedome” and “Old Baldy” – as an “armed and dangerous” suspect convicted of bank robbery, automobile larceny and “confidence game”.
Paddock was captured in Oregon 10 years after his escape from prison, according to law enforcement officials cited by NBC News.
6.47pm BST6.47pm BST
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Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman, who earlier pleaded for blood donations from whomever can give in the Las Vegas area, tweets a message of gratitude and perseverance.Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman, who earlier pleaded for blood donations from whomever can give in the Las Vegas area, tweets a message of gratitude and perseverance.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan police and Nevada Emergency Management meanwhile have more instructions for people who want to help, or are still struggling to find missing loved ones.The Las Vegas Metropolitan police and Nevada Emergency Management meanwhile have more instructions for people who want to help, or are still struggling to find missing loved ones.
The act and insanity of a madman shall not define us or keep us from living whole and meaningful lives with pride in our shared humanity. Our prayers for everyone and a huge thank you to our great law enforcement and first responders.The act and insanity of a madman shall not define us or keep us from living whole and meaningful lives with pride in our shared humanity. Our prayers for everyone and a huge thank you to our great law enforcement and first responders.
#VegasShooting Should you decide to donate blood, here's a link to make a reservation: https://t.co/GypLSS5Z2G pic.twitter.com/G96juRdv3k#VegasShooting Should you decide to donate blood, here's a link to make a reservation: https://t.co/GypLSS5Z2G pic.twitter.com/G96juRdv3k
For families looking to locate missing loved ones, please call 1-866-535-5654.For families looking to locate missing loved ones, please call 1-866-535-5654.
6.06pm BST6.06pm BST
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
At least 58 people were killed and more than 515 were injured at a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip, in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.At least 58 people were killed and more than 515 were injured at a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip, in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.
The gunman fired for several minutes into a 22,000-person crowd from the windows of a 32nd floor hotel room, in the Mandalay Bay resort. Videos show chaos amid the gunfire, as people scrambled for cover, ran from the stage and struggled to save each other’s lives.The gunman fired for several minutes into a 22,000-person crowd from the windows of a 32nd floor hotel room, in the Mandalay Bay resort. Videos show chaos amid the gunfire, as people scrambled for cover, ran from the stage and struggled to save each other’s lives.
Police believe the gunman killed himself around the time a Swat team descended on his room. He had checked in there on 28 September, and police found at least 10 weapons with him.Police believe the gunman killed himself around the time a Swat team descended on his room. He had checked in there on 28 September, and police found at least 10 weapons with him.
Authorities identified the shooter as Stephen Paddock, 64, from Mesquite, Nevada, about 80 miles to the north-east. They were searching properties in his name.Authorities identified the shooter as Stephen Paddock, 64, from Mesquite, Nevada, about 80 miles to the north-east. They were searching properties in his name.
Police do not know the motive behind the shooting; the gunman had no prior record in state or federal databases, save a minor traffic violation. The FBI said they have found “no connection to international terrorist organizations”.Police do not know the motive behind the shooting; the gunman had no prior record in state or federal databases, save a minor traffic violation. The FBI said they have found “no connection to international terrorist organizations”.
President Donald Trump called the shooting “an act of pure evil,” and said he will go to las Vegas on Wednesday.President Donald Trump called the shooting “an act of pure evil,” and said he will go to las Vegas on Wednesday.
The gunman’s girlfriend, Marylou Danley, was named as a person of interest but police said the gunman acted alone at the hotel. Danley is abroad and cooperating with police. The gunman’s girlfriend, Marilou Danley, was named as a person of interest but police said the gunman acted alone at the hotel. Danley is abroad and cooperating with police.
The gunman’s brother expressed horror and shock, saying Paddock had no background with weapons. “No religious affiliation, no political affiliation, he just hung out,” he told television networks. “He’s just a guy who lived in a house in Mesquite, drove down and gambled in Las Vegas.”The gunman’s brother expressed horror and shock, saying Paddock had no background with weapons. “No religious affiliation, no political affiliation, he just hung out,” he told television networks. “He’s just a guy who lived in a house in Mesquite, drove down and gambled in Las Vegas.”
Nevada authorities pleaded for blood donations from people in the Las Vegas area. Governor Brian Sandoval said the scene was “basically a war zone” – “we need blood.”Nevada authorities pleaded for blood donations from people in the Las Vegas area. Governor Brian Sandoval said the scene was “basically a war zone” – “we need blood.”
We are in need of certified trauma counselors. pic.twitter.com/zroSqEoc1TWe are in need of certified trauma counselors. pic.twitter.com/zroSqEoc1T
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.09pm BST at 7.16pm BST
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Dominic RusheDominic Rushe
In a pattern repeated after high-profile mass shootings for years, shares in the US’s two largest gun companies have risen sharply after the Vegas attack.In a pattern repeated after high-profile mass shootings for years, shares in the US’s two largest gun companies have risen sharply after the Vegas attack.
Sturm Ruger, America’s largest firearms manufacturer, is up over 4%. American Outdoor Brands (formerly Smith & Wesson) is up over 5%. Such rises are typical after a mass shooting as investors bet fear will lead to higher guns sales.Sturm Ruger, America’s largest firearms manufacturer, is up over 4%. American Outdoor Brands (formerly Smith & Wesson) is up over 5%. Such rises are typical after a mass shooting as investors bet fear will lead to higher guns sales.
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Las Vegas sheriff Joe Lombardo answers a few questions from reporters in the room.Las Vegas sheriff Joe Lombardo answers a few questions from reporters in the room.
On the 10 weapons found in the gunman’s hotel room: “We do know that he brought the weapons in on his own. In the original briefing we believed that he had [a companion]. We have determined that the female is out of the country. He brought these weapons in on his own.”On the 10 weapons found in the gunman’s hotel room: “We do know that he brought the weapons in on his own. In the original briefing we believed that he had [a companion]. We have determined that the female is out of the country. He brought these weapons in on his own.”
On the new property being investigated, he says it was found by searching through property assessor records.On the new property being investigated, he says it was found by searching through property assessor records.
Was the gunman known to law enforcement? “Not at all. We’ve checked all the federal databases and Nevada databases and we have no knowledge of this individual.”Was the gunman known to law enforcement? “Not at all. We’ve checked all the federal databases and Nevada databases and we have no knowledge of this individual.”
On Marilou Danley, the gunman’s girlfriend who is currently abroad: “We still consider her a person of interest. We have been in contact with her and we plan to engage her upon her return to the country.”On Marilou Danley, the gunman’s girlfriend who is currently abroad: “We still consider her a person of interest. We have been in contact with her and we plan to engage her upon her return to the country.”
On how he broke the hotel room windows: ”We believe he had a device similar to a hammer to smash through the windows.”On how he broke the hotel room windows: ”We believe he had a device similar to a hammer to smash through the windows.”
Whether he had tickets to the concert: “I have no idea.”Whether he had tickets to the concert: “I have no idea.”
On the gunman’s actions in the hotel: “There will be hours and hours and hours of video surveillance that we will have to recall with the cooperation of the MGM [hotel].”On the gunman’s actions in the hotel: “There will be hours and hours and hours of video surveillance that we will have to recall with the cooperation of the MGM [hotel].”
Whether law enforcement could have acted before the shooting: “I don’t know how it could’ve been prevented if we had no prior knowledge of the individual.”Whether law enforcement could have acted before the shooting: “I don’t know how it could’ve been prevented if we had no prior knowledge of the individual.”
Whether cleaning services noticed anything: “It has been reported that individuals were going to and fro from his room, and nothing nefarious was noticed, at this point, as we know now.”Whether cleaning services noticed anything: “It has been reported that individuals were going to and fro from his room, and nothing nefarious was noticed, at this point, as we know now.”
On what he knows about the gunman’s final moments: “[I was told] he had killed himself. Exactly – we’ll have to go through our body worn camera and existing video as to whether we engaged him at the same approximate time.”On what he knows about the gunman’s final moments: “[I was told] he had killed himself. Exactly – we’ll have to go through our body worn camera and existing video as to whether we engaged him at the same approximate time.”
On motive: “I can’t get into the mind of a psychopath at this point.”On motive: “I can’t get into the mind of a psychopath at this point.”
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Authorities in Nevada have one united plea for Nevada: give blood.Authorities in Nevada have one united plea for Nevada: give blood.
Dina Titus, a representative for the county, says that while authorities appreciate thoughts and prayers, “we need blood.”Dina Titus, a representative for the county, says that while authorities appreciate thoughts and prayers, “we need blood.”
Adam Laxalt, Nevada’s attorney general, says, “We’ve never been hit with such a tough situation.” He makes a similar plea.Adam Laxalt, Nevada’s attorney general, says, “We’ve never been hit with such a tough situation.” He makes a similar plea.
Governor Brian Sandoval takes the podium after Laxalt. “I don’t know if I have words to describe what we’re going through, and what these poor unfortunate victims.Governor Brian Sandoval takes the podium after Laxalt. “I don’t know if I have words to describe what we’re going through, and what these poor unfortunate victims.
“We’re angry, we’re grieving, we’re confused. People are hurting. I want to thank the sheriff and all the first responders, I just had the opportunity to visit some of the patients in the hospital, and it’s unimaginable what people are going through right now.“We’re angry, we’re grieving, we’re confused. People are hurting. I want to thank the sheriff and all the first responders, I just had the opportunity to visit some of the patients in the hospital, and it’s unimaginable what people are going through right now.
Sandoval says that for all the horror, this was for first responders “their finest hour” in “what basically was a war zone”.Sandoval says that for all the horror, this was for first responders “their finest hour” in “what basically was a war zone”.
“We don’t understand what’s happened. And I’m sure we’ll find out a little more as Metro continues to perform its investigation. We need blood, so if anybody could contribute blood, anybody in the Las Vegas area or locally could do that. As we move on we’ll learn more.”“We don’t understand what’s happened. And I’m sure we’ll find out a little more as Metro continues to perform its investigation. We need blood, so if anybody could contribute blood, anybody in the Las Vegas area or locally could do that. As we move on we’ll learn more.”
Sandoval stresses this final point. “It was a cowardly, despicable act. There’s not much we can do but we can learn.”Sandoval stresses this final point. “It was a cowardly, despicable act. There’s not much we can do but we can learn.”
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The Clark County district attorney, Steve Woodson, takes the podium.The Clark County district attorney, Steve Woodson, takes the podium.
“This was a classic WMD. This was a weapon and a man of mass destruction,” he says. “This doesn’t involve politics. All of us are Nevadans. We’re working to get through this.”“This was a classic WMD. This was a weapon and a man of mass destruction,” he says. “This doesn’t involve politics. All of us are Nevadans. We’re working to get through this.”
The mayor, Carolyn Goodman, speaks next about the gunman.The mayor, Carolyn Goodman, speaks next about the gunman.
“This is a crazed lunatic full of hate. We don’t know much about his background. But it’s certainly not an extension about what we believe in.”“This is a crazed lunatic full of hate. We don’t know much about his background. But it’s certainly not an extension about what we believe in.”
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FBI: no known international terror linkFBI: no known international terror link
The sheriff says there is no new information to report about the suspect, but that police have completed their investigation of his hotel room. They have also identified another property associated with the gunman, and executed a search warrant there. Mesquite police have been searching the gunman’s home there, about 80 miles north-east of Las Vegas.The sheriff says there is no new information to report about the suspect, but that police have completed their investigation of his hotel room. They have also identified another property associated with the gunman, and executed a search warrant there. Mesquite police have been searching the gunman’s home there, about 80 miles north-east of Las Vegas.
An FBI agent, Aaron Rouse, briefly takes the podium to address the Isis claim, made without any evidence, that the gunman had converted to Islam.An FBI agent, Aaron Rouse, briefly takes the podium to address the Isis claim, made without any evidence, that the gunman had converted to Islam.
“We have determined at this point no connection to international terrorist organization,” Rouse says.“We have determined at this point no connection to international terrorist organization,” Rouse says.
UpdatedUpdated
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Death toll rises to 58Death toll rises to 58
Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo has said the death toll has increased to 58, and there are now 515 people injured.Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo has said the death toll has increased to 58, and there are now 515 people injured.
The number of people that have died associated with this event has increased. It may be 59, Lombardo says, as hospitals struggle to treat the sheer number of people injured.The number of people that have died associated with this event has increased. It may be 59, Lombardo says, as hospitals struggle to treat the sheer number of people injured.
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Jason BurkeJason Burke
Jason Burke, the Guardian’s Africa correspondent and author of The New Threat, a work on the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, writes that the public and the press need to be skeptical of claims that the Las Vegas shooter converted to Islam or was somehow linked to an international group.Jason Burke, the Guardian’s Africa correspondent and author of The New Threat, a work on the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, writes that the public and the press need to be skeptical of claims that the Las Vegas shooter converted to Islam or was somehow linked to an international group.
The Isis claim of responsibility for Las Vegas shooting appears to have been first published on Amaq news agency, an ISIS communication channel which has seen many previous such statements. We need to be very prudent assessing this one. The profile of the attacker alone urges extreme caution, and US officials have already said they have no evidence of any link to the group.The Isis claim of responsibility for Las Vegas shooting appears to have been first published on Amaq news agency, an ISIS communication channel which has seen many previous such statements. We need to be very prudent assessing this one. The profile of the attacker alone urges extreme caution, and US officials have already said they have no evidence of any link to the group.
Until around a year ago, Isis claims tended to be reliable. The group used carefully calibrated wording to indicate its degree of involvement of the group, and, if there was some exaggeration, there was limited outright fabrication. The group often provided proof of its involvement through videos recorded by attackers before an incident.Until around a year ago, Isis claims tended to be reliable. The group used carefully calibrated wording to indicate its degree of involvement of the group, and, if there was some exaggeration, there was limited outright fabrication. The group often provided proof of its involvement through videos recorded by attackers before an incident.
Isis also started quoting “security sources”, which are thought by security officials to be close friends or relatives, contacted by the group, who confirmed an individual’s motivation and loyalties. Sometimes of these appear to have been “interviewed” by Isis after an attack to back up its claim.Isis also started quoting “security sources”, which are thought by security officials to be close friends or relatives, contacted by the group, who confirmed an individual’s motivation and loyalties. Sometimes of these appear to have been “interviewed” by Isis after an attack to back up its claim.
But in recent months Isis, facing military defeat and the loss of territories, have repeatedly made claims which have been shown to utterly unjustified. Isis claimed a role in the Westminster attacks in March – and an exhaustive investigation found no link. The group claimed a shooting in a Philippines casino in June, where the attacker was an gambler with large debts and a drinking problem. There are many other examples.But in recent months Isis, facing military defeat and the loss of territories, have repeatedly made claims which have been shown to utterly unjustified. Isis claimed a role in the Westminster attacks in March – and an exhaustive investigation found no link. The group claimed a shooting in a Philippines casino in June, where the attacker was an gambler with large debts and a drinking problem. There are many other examples.
This claim today describes the shooter in Las Vegas as a “soldier” of the Isis, who converted to Islam several months ago. This is theoretically possible of course but seems far fetched, not least because he committed suicide.This claim today describes the shooter in Las Vegas as a “soldier” of the Isis, who converted to Islam several months ago. This is theoretically possible of course but seems far fetched, not least because he committed suicide.
Islamic militant groups launch “fedayeen” actions in which death is a near certainty, thus becoming “martyrs”, but they do not ever take their own lives in this way, which is seen as a terrible sin.Islamic militant groups launch “fedayeen” actions in which death is a near certainty, thus becoming “martyrs”, but they do not ever take their own lives in this way, which is seen as a terrible sin.
UpdatedUpdated
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Despite the president’s call to unity, the fault lines of gun policy have already appeared in Congress, where some lawmakers are growing increasingly angry after years of horrific mass shootings.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, a Republican, said in a statement that the “evil tragedy horrifies us all” and that “the whole country stands united in our shock, in our condolences, and in our prayers.”
Some Democrats have taken a sterner line. Chris Murphy, the Connecticut senator who has campaigned for gun control since the Newtown school massacre in 2013, pleaded for action.
“This must stop,” he said. “It is positively infuriating that my colleagues in Congress are so afraid of the gun industry that they pretend there aren’t public policy responses to this epidemic.
“There are, and the thoughts and prayers of politicians are cruelly hollow if they are paired with continued legislative indifference. It’s time for Congress to get off its ass and do something.”
Similarly, Virginia representative Don Beyer, said that the shooting – like the hundreds of others over the last few yearss – is “unfathomable and unacceptable.”
“We have a moral duty to honor their lives with action. We must not, and we will not, become desensitized to gun violence.”
Massachusetts representative Seth Moulton has pledged to protest in the House, as he did after the 2016 shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
As after #Orlando, I will NOT be joining my colleagues in a moment of silence on the House Floor that just becomes an excuse for inaction.
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The Mandalay Bay hotel, where the gunman took a corner room and fired onto the concert crowd outside, has announced that guests may return to their rooms.
Police were able to quickly locate the gunman in the hotel because his gunfire, so persistent and fast, set off the smoke alarm in his room.
Security personnel have lifted all restrictions on access to Mandalay Bay and other MGM Resorts. Guests may return to their rooms.
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“Our unity cannot be shattered by evil,” the president continues. He invokes scripture, “we know that God lives in the hearts of those who grieve.”
“Though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens it is our love that defines us today.”
He says that he will visit Las Vegas on Wednesday.“I know we are searching for some kind of meaning in the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness. The answers do not come easy.”
“We can take solace that even in the darkest space can be brightened by a single light, and even the most terrible despair can be lightened by a single ray of hope.”
“We pray for the day when evil is banished and when the innocent are safe from hatred and from fear. May God bless the souls of the lives that are lost. May God give us the grace to heal, and may God provide the grieving families with the strength to carry on. Thank you, and God bless America.”
With that he concludes his remarks.
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Trump to the nation: 'It was an act of pure evil'
President Donald Trump is now addressing the nation on the shooting.
“My fellow Americans. we are joined together today in sadness, shock and grief. Last night a gunman opened fire on a large crowd at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. He brutally murdered more than 50 people and wounded hundreds more.
“It was an act of pure evil. The FBI and the department of homeland security are working closely with local authorities to assist with the investigation and they will provide updates as to the investigation and how it develops.”
He thanks the Las Vegas police and other first responders. “The speed with which they acted is miraculous. To have found the shooter so quickly after the first shots were fired is something we for which we will always be thankful.”
“We cannot fathom their pain, we cannot imagine their loss. The the families of the victims we are praying for you, we are here for you.”
In memory of the fallen, he says, he has directed flags to fly at half-staff. “In moments of tragedy and horror Americans come together as one. It always has.”
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Paddock's brother: 'It's like an asteroid fell from the sky'
The FBI has spoken with Eric Paddock, the brother of the gunman, at his home in central Florida. Paddock has also given a few interviews at greater length.
“He was my brother and it’s like an asteroid fell out of the sky,” Paddock told CNN. He said he last spoke to his brother when Stephen wanted to check in on their mother after Hurricane Irma.
Paddock expressed shock and horror to CBS that his brother could commit such a crime. He had “no religious affiliation, no political affiliation, he just hung out”, Paddock said.
“He’s not an avid gun guy at all. The fact that he had those kind of weapons is just – where the hell did he get automatic weapons? He has no military background or anything like that. He’s just a guy who lived in a house in Mesquite, drove down and gambled in Las Vegas. He did stuff. Ate burritos.”
Paddock said that when he heard the news he became scared for Paddock’s girlfriend, Marilou Danley, worrying that “he might’ve hurt her too”.
Police have said Danley was out of the country, unharmed and speaking with investigators.
“Not an avid gun guy at all...where the hell did he get automatic weapons? He has no military background,” gunman’s brother says pic.twitter.com/EMSKLQGYFM
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The Las Vegas sheriff, Joseph Lombardo, and President Donald Trump are expected to give respective briefings within the next half hour.
Authorities have so far stressed that they know nothing about the shooter’s motivation. Lombardo said he was not yet ready to label the shooting terrorism.
Mesquite police are reported to have cleared the suspect’s home, north-east of Las Vegas.
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Dan Hernandez, reporting from Las Vegas, has spoken with two more survivors of the shooting.
“We heard the gunshots, ducked, tried to find cover, [then] 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 the adrenaline was 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.”
He expressed thanks to city officials for reacting as quickly as they did. “They did everything they possibly could, given 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.
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Richard Luscombe
The suspect’s brother, Eric Paddock, has told a 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, 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 2013-15. 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.
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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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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.
Updated
at 5.38pm BST