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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)
9.37pm BST
21:37
Sam Levin
Facebook and Google promoted false news stories that, in the early, chaotic hours during and after the Las Vegas attack, misidentified a man as the shooter, Sam Levin reports.
Before authorities named 64-year-old Stephen Paddock as the suspect, some falsely identified the gunman as someone named Geary Danley. It’s unclear where exactly the hoax originated, but rightwing users aggressively promoted his name, seizing on evidence that he was a liberal.
On 4chan, the anonymous message board and a favorite platform of the “alt-right”, some noted that Danley was a registered Democrat. Soon after, Gateway Pundit, a conspiracy-laden blog that now has White House credentials, published an evidence-free story headlined “Las Vegas Shooter Reportedly a Democrat Who Liked Rachel Maddow, MoveOn.org and Associated with Anti-Trump Army”. The piece was based on a review of Facebook “likes”.
Despite the fact that the claims were unproven and coming from non-credible sources, Facebook’s “Safety Check” page, which is supposed to help people connect with loved ones during the crisis, ended up briefly promoting a story that said the shooter had “Trump-hating” views, along with links to a number of other hoaxes and scams, according to screenshots. At the same time, Google users who searched Geary Danley’s name were at one point directed to the 4chan threadfilled with false claims.
The successful manipulation of social media algorithms to politicize a tragedy speaks to a relatively new pattern of online abuse – from the careless and accidental, like the misidentification of the suspect behind the Boston marathon bombing in 2013, to overt exploitation and targeted disinformation.
“It’s getting more polarized. There’s this mad scramble to paint the guy as a Democrat or a Republican, so they can cheer,” Brooke Binkowski, managing editor of fact-checking website Snopes.com, said in an interview. “A lot of this is pushed by trolls deliberately to muddy the conversation.”
Google, Facebook and Twitter have faced repeated accusations that they allow propaganda to spread on their sites and reach large audiences. The tech corporations have typically blamed their algorithms and offered vague pledges of improvement.
The Mandalay Bay shooting was no exception. Google said in a statement: “Unfortunately, early this morning we were briefly surfacing an inaccurate 4chan website in our Search results for a small number of queries. Within hours, the 4chan story was algorithmically replaced by relevant results. This should not have appeared for any queries, and we’ll continue to make algorithmic improvements to prevent this from happening in the future.
Facebook attempted to downplay its role in promoting false stories, saying in a statement: “Our Global Security Operations Center spotted these posts this morning and we have removed them. However, their removal was delayed, allowing them to be screen captured and circulated online. We are working to fix the issue that allowed this to happen in the first place and deeply regret the confusion this caused.”
9.21pm BST
21:21
Jamiles Lartey
The first of the 58 victims of the Las Vegas shooting are starting to be identified, with details of their lives emerging from family, friends and social media. Jamiles Lartey reports:
Sonny Melton, 29, who lived in Big Sandy, Tennessee, and worked at a nearby hospital, was the first victim publicly identified. Family members confirmed to the news station WSMV that he was killed in the gunfire.
His wife, Heather Melton, told WZTV that her husband had shielded her from bullets on the ground when the shooting began. “He saved my life and lost his,” she said.
A friend of the couple told the Paris (Tennessee) Post-Intelligencer that the two had gotten married about a year ago.
“I want everyone to know what a kindhearted loving man he was, but at this point I can barely breathe,” Heather Melton wrote to USA Today.
The couple both worked at Henry County medical center in Tennessee, he as a registered nurse, she as an orthopedic surgeon. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire HCMC family are with Sonny and Heather’s families,” the center’s chief executive, Thomas Gee, said in a statement.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that a 23-year-old British Columbia man, Jordan McIldoon, was also among the dead, according to his parents. Another concertgoer posted on Facebook on Sunday night that McIldoon had “died in [her] arms”.
“We only had one child,” McIldoon’s parents told CBC. “We just don’t know what to do.”
Local outlets in Bakersfield, California have confirmed with family members that 20-year-old Bailey Schweitzer was killed in the attack. Jessica Klymchuk, an Edmonton, Alberta, woman, has also been confirmed dead in the shooting.
8.52pm BST8.52pm BST
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Stephen Paddock owned several rental properties, had an expired pilot’s license, and enjoyed gambling, the AP reports, drawing from public records, interview with family and the nascent police investigation.Stephen Paddock owned several rental properties, had an expired pilot’s license, and enjoyed gambling, the AP reports, drawing from public records, interview with family and the nascent police investigation.
The gunman’s brother, Eric Paddock said that he had not talked to his brother in six months and last heard from him in a text message sent after Hurricane Irma.The gunman’s brother, Eric Paddock said that he had not talked to his brother in six months and last heard from him in a text message sent after Hurricane Irma.
“It was like, ‘You ok?’ ‘Yeah,’” he said. “We talked when we had something to talk about.”“It was like, ‘You ok?’ ‘Yeah,’” he said. “We talked when we had something to talk about.”
He also recalled another recent text showing “a picture that he won $40,000 on a slot machine. But that’s the way he played.”He also recalled another recent text showing “a picture that he won $40,000 on a slot machine. But that’s the way he played.”
Police searched Paddock’s home in Mesquite, near the Arizona border about 80 miles north-east of Las Vegas, and did not find any bombs or traps that they feared there.Police searched Paddock’s home in Mesquite, near the Arizona border about 80 miles north-east of Las Vegas, and did not find any bombs or traps that they feared there.
He bought the property for $369,000 in 2015, according to property records. Court documents suggest he co-owned rental property in California and Texas. His brother described him as “wealthy”, and someone who enjoyed online poker and cruises.He bought the property for $369,000 in 2015, according to property records. Court documents suggest he co-owned rental property in California and Texas. His brother described him as “wealthy”, and someone who enjoyed online poker and cruises.
Police also searched a two-bedroom home Paddock owned in a retirement community in Reno, 500 miles from Mesquite.Police also searched a two-bedroom home Paddock owned in a retirement community in Reno, 500 miles from Mesquite.
He previously lived in another Mesquite, the Dallas suburb, from 2004 to 2012, according to Mesquite, Texas, police Lt Brian Parrish. Paddock owned at least three separate rental properties, Parrish said, and there was no indication the police department had any contact with him over that time, Parrish said.He previously lived in another Mesquite, the Dallas suburb, from 2004 to 2012, according to Mesquite, Texas, police Lt Brian Parrish. Paddock owned at least three separate rental properties, Parrish said, and there was no indication the police department had any contact with him over that time, Parrish said.
He has been divorced at least twice, including marriages that ended in 1980 and 1990. One of the ex-wives lives in Southern California, where a large gathering of reporters congregated in her neighborhood.He has been divorced at least twice, including marriages that ended in 1980 and 1990. One of the ex-wives lives in Southern California, where a large gathering of reporters congregated in her neighborhood.
Los Angeles police Sgt Cort Bishop said she did not want to speak with journalists. He relayed that the two had not been in contact for a long time and did not have children.Los Angeles police Sgt Cort Bishop said she did not want to speak with journalists. He relayed that the two had not been in contact for a long time and did not have children.
Records also showed that Paddock had gained a pilot’s license in November 2003, and that he had temporary Alaska fishing licenses in 2009 and 2010.Records also showed that Paddock had gained a pilot’s license in November 2003, and that he had temporary Alaska fishing licenses in 2009 and 2010.
In 2012, Paddock sued the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Resorts in Nevada, saying he slipped and fell on a wet floor there. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed by a judge and settled by arbitration.In 2012, Paddock sued the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Resorts in Nevada, saying he slipped and fell on a wet floor there. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed by a judge and settled by arbitration.
Reached by telephone, Paddock’s lawyer at the time, Jared Richards, said he could not comment because of client confidentiality concerns.Reached by telephone, Paddock’s lawyer at the time, Jared Richards, said he could not comment because of client confidentiality concerns.
8.36pm BST8.36pm BST
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Citing unnamed law enforcement sources, NBC and the Wall Street Journal are reporting more details of the police responseto the shooting.Citing unnamed law enforcement sources, NBC and the Wall Street Journal are reporting more details of the police responseto the shooting.
According to NBC, police first received a call about the shooting at 10.08pm on Sunday night. An hour and 12 minutes elapsed before they breached the hotel room door, at 11.20pm, around which time the gunman killed himself.According to NBC, police first received a call about the shooting at 10.08pm on Sunday night. An hour and 12 minutes elapsed before they breached the hotel room door, at 11.20pm, around which time the gunman killed himself.
Part of the delay, NBC reports, was officers’ struggle to determine which floor and room where the gunman was firing from.Part of the delay, NBC reports, was officers’ struggle to determine which floor and room where the gunman was firing from.
“As soon as they got on the floor they knew that that’s where the shots were coming from,” the network’s Pete Williams reported. “Whether they knew that from the smell of gunfire or the sound of gunfire we’re not sure.”“As soon as they got on the floor they knew that that’s where the shots were coming from,” the network’s Pete Williams reported. “Whether they knew that from the smell of gunfire or the sound of gunfire we’re not sure.”
Sheriff Joe Lombardo said earlier Monday that he could not confirm reports that smoke from the gunfire set off the hotel room’s fire alarm, which could have directed police to the room.Sheriff Joe Lombardo said earlier Monday that he could not confirm reports that smoke from the gunfire set off the hotel room’s fire alarm, which could have directed police to the room.
According to the Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed official, police found 18-20 guns in the room, including automatic rifles and guns in the style of AR-15s and AK-47s. Police have not publicly described what kind of weapons the gunman used.According to the Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed official, police found 18-20 guns in the room, including automatic rifles and guns in the style of AR-15s and AK-47s. Police have not publicly described what kind of weapons the gunman used.
7.58pm BST7.58pm BST
19:5819:58
Lauren GambinoLauren Gambino
Lauren Gambino, reporting from Washington DC, attended a press conference by former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a 2011 shooting that killed six and injured more than a dozen others.Lauren Gambino, reporting from Washington DC, attended a press conference by former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a 2011 shooting that killed six and injured more than a dozen others.
“What we’re hearing today at the Capitol and the White House are thoughts and prayers,” her husband, said Mark Kelly said, in remarks delivered outside the Capitol.“What we’re hearing today at the Capitol and the White House are thoughts and prayers,” her husband, said Mark Kelly said, in remarks delivered outside the Capitol.
“Your thoughts and prayers aren’t going to stop the next shooting. Only action and leadership will do that.”“Your thoughts and prayers aren’t going to stop the next shooting. Only action and leadership will do that.”
Giffords and Kelly, who have become prominent advocates for stricter gun control laws since the 2011 shooting, were due to campaign for Democratic Virginia’s gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam, but changed their plans after the massacre in Las Vegas.Giffords and Kelly, who have become prominent advocates for stricter gun control laws since the 2011 shooting, were due to campaign for Democratic Virginia’s gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam, but changed their plans after the massacre in Las Vegas.
“We don’t have to accept this as normal. it’s not normal. It’s not inevitable. It’s an epidemic that needs to be cured,” Kelly said.“We don’t have to accept this as normal. it’s not normal. It’s not inevitable. It’s an epidemic that needs to be cured,” Kelly said.
He lambasted members of Congress for cowing to political interests, and for considering legislation that he said could create even more chaos during mass shooting situations.He lambasted members of Congress for cowing to political interests, and for considering legislation that he said could create even more chaos during mass shooting situations.
“Imagine how much worse last night’s shooting could have been if the gunman had a silencer,” he said, referring to a bill that would make it easier to buy silencers, devices that reduce the noise emitted from the firearm.“Imagine how much worse last night’s shooting could have been if the gunman had a silencer,” he said, referring to a bill that would make it easier to buy silencers, devices that reduce the noise emitted from the firearm.
“Imagine the confusion for first responders if they arrived on the scene to a bunch of civilians wielding their own guns attempting to return fire.”“Imagine the confusion for first responders if they arrived on the scene to a bunch of civilians wielding their own guns attempting to return fire.”
Kelly listed a number of measures he said would help reduce the number of gun deaths each year, including laws to expand background checks, to ban people convicted of domestic violence from purchasing a firearm, to stiffen penalties for straw purchases, and to invest in research on the causes and effects of gun violence.Kelly listed a number of measures he said would help reduce the number of gun deaths each year, including laws to expand background checks, to ban people convicted of domestic violence from purchasing a firearm, to stiffen penalties for straw purchases, and to invest in research on the causes and effects of gun violence.
At the end of his remarks, Giffords leaned over the podium to conclude. “The nation is counting on you,” she said.At the end of his remarks, Giffords leaned over the podium to conclude. “The nation is counting on you,” she said.
Gun control advocates have mobilized in force since the 20 children were killed at Sandy Hook elementary school, in 2012. And while they have made marginal gains on the state level, the groups, which include Kelly and Giffords’ Americans for Responsible Solutions, and members of Congress such as Connecticut senator Chris Murphy, have had little success at the national level.Gun control advocates have mobilized in force since the 20 children were killed at Sandy Hook elementary school, in 2012. And while they have made marginal gains on the state level, the groups, which include Kelly and Giffords’ Americans for Responsible Solutions, and members of Congress such as Connecticut senator Chris Murphy, have had little success at the national level.
Asked why the legislative campaign has failed to make a dent in the wake of so many deadly mass shootings, Kelly pointed to an sharp imbalance in resources and entrenched politicization. Though he had little optimism that the current Congress would act, he urged voters to hold legislators accountable at the ballot box.Asked why the legislative campaign has failed to make a dent in the wake of so many deadly mass shootings, Kelly pointed to an sharp imbalance in resources and entrenched politicization. Though he had little optimism that the current Congress would act, he urged voters to hold legislators accountable at the ballot box.
These are weapons intentionally designed to kill as many people as efficiently as possible. Why is anyone shocked this keeps happening?These are weapons intentionally designed to kill as many people as efficiently as possible. Why is anyone shocked this keeps happening?
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.06pm BSTat 8.06pm BST
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Video of the last briefing by Nevada authorities, including Las Vegas Metro sheriff Joe Lombardo.Video of the last briefing by Nevada authorities, including Las Vegas Metro sheriff Joe Lombardo.
7.23pm BST7.23pm 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.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.”“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.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.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.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.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.“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.”“It would be premature to discuss policy when we don’t fully know all the facts or what took place last night.”
7.09pm BST7.09pm BST
19:0919:09
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.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.”“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.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.”“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.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.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”.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.Paddock was captured in Oregon 10 years after his escape from prison, according to law enforcement officials cited by NBC News.
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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
18:0618:06
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 one of 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 one of 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, 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 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
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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.”
UpdatedUpdated
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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.
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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.
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