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Las Vegas death toll rises to 59 as weapon stockpile found at gunman's home – latest updates Las Vegas death toll rises to 59 as weapon stockpile found at gunman's home – latest updates
(35 minutes later)
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What we know so far
At least 59 people have been killed and 527 injured in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.
Police have named Stephen Paddock, a 64-year-old from Mesquite, Nevada, as the gunman.
Police found an arsenal of 42 firearms, explosives and thousands of ammunition rounds in both his Las Vegas hotel room and Mesquite home.
Experts believe an accessory known as a bump-stock was probably used in the attack. It modifies a semi-automatic weapon to fire at an automatic rate.
There is still no known motive behind the attack, or any known links between Paddock and other organisations.
The suspect’s girlfriend was named as a person of interest, but police said he acted alone and that authorities would interview the woman after she returned from a trip to Tokyo.
President Donald Trump said he would visit Las Vegas on Wednesday and called the shooting “an act of pure evil”.
Late night chat show hosts in the US have expressed outrage at the inability of US politicians to control guns and stand up to the powerful National Rifle Association. Theresa May said the UK could not understand US gun laws.
Hoaxes and fake news spread rapidly online, in some cases with boosts from Facebook and Google algorithms.
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Murrell Sailers gave a vivid description of trying to shelter from the shots. Speaking to AP, he said: “You could just hear the rounds almost like creeping up on you. Doosh, doosh, doosh. It feels like hunting you down.”
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Theresa May has expressed incredulity about US gun laws.Theresa May has expressed incredulity about US gun laws.
Speaking to LBC radio she said: “I think we can’t understand it because of course we have a different approach to guns. We have very strong gun laws here, and we tightened the gun laws initially after Dunblane because people saw the atrocity which took place there and we took action as a government.Speaking to LBC radio she said: “I think we can’t understand it because of course we have a different approach to guns. We have very strong gun laws here, and we tightened the gun laws initially after Dunblane because people saw the atrocity which took place there and we took action as a government.
“But of course America has a different approach to guns. It’s up to them to see what they will do now, but I think most people in the UK will say ‘If you look at what’s happened here, surely they will want to do something’.”“But of course America has a different approach to guns. It’s up to them to see what they will do now, but I think most people in the UK will say ‘If you look at what’s happened here, surely they will want to do something’.”
Asked whether she was aware of any Britons killed or injured in the bloodbath, she said: “At the moment, I don’t believe there were any British casualties, but there were certainly British people in the area who will have witnessed what was absolutely an appalling attack, completely senseless, random attack, by an individual who I understand had quite an arsenal of weapons in the hotel room.” Asked whether she was aware of any Britons killed or injured in the shooting, she said: “At the moment, I don’t believe there were any British casualties, but there were certainly British people in the area who will have witnessed what was absolutely an appalling attack, completely senseless, random attack, by an individual who I understand had quite an arsenal of weapons in the hotel room.”
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Former Donald Trump Sebastian Gorka has rounded on Hillary Clinton after she called for more gun controls in the wake of the attack. Former Donald Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka has rounded on Hillary Clinton after she called for more gun controls in the wake of the attack.
The former Democratic presidential candidate urged politicians to stand up to the powerful National Rifle Association which is currently lobbying Congress to support measures to allow gun owners to use silencers.The former Democratic presidential candidate urged politicians to stand up to the powerful National Rifle Association which is currently lobbying Congress to support measures to allow gun owners to use silencers.
The crowd fled at the sound of gunshots. Imagine the deaths if the shooter had a silencer, which the NRA wants to make easier to get.The crowd fled at the sound of gunshots. Imagine the deaths if the shooter had a silencer, which the NRA wants to make easier to get.
Gorka accused Clinton of trying to politicise the attack.Gorka accused Clinton of trying to politicise the attack.
.@SebGorka: "People like Bernie Sanders, people like Hillary Clinton, are actually trying to profit politically from atrocity, from tragedy" pic.twitter.com/ojxNw8BAzp.@SebGorka: "People like Bernie Sanders, people like Hillary Clinton, are actually trying to profit politically from atrocity, from tragedy" pic.twitter.com/ojxNw8BAzp
Gorka lost his job as a deputy assistant to Trump on national security in August.
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Mass shootings in the US have become a national sickness, requiring a national cure, writes Richard Wolffe in an opinion piece for the Guardian.Mass shootings in the US have become a national sickness, requiring a national cure, writes Richard Wolffe in an opinion piece for the Guardian.
We can’t pray it away. It’s a public health crisis that kills more Americans than HIV, Parkinson’s Disease and hypertension. But in spite of repeated medical calls for more studies, we’re not going to admit that because Congress has blocked such research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for two decades.We can’t pray it away. It’s a public health crisis that kills more Americans than HIV, Parkinson’s Disease and hypertension. But in spite of repeated medical calls for more studies, we’re not going to admit that because Congress has blocked such research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for two decades.
In truth, this is no time for silence. We don’t stop talking about air safety after a passenger jet goes down. We don’t stop talking about terrorism after another Isis attack. Gun violence is not an act of nature: it’s not an unpredictable earthquake or unexpectedly severe hurricane.In truth, this is no time for silence. We don’t stop talking about air safety after a passenger jet goes down. We don’t stop talking about terrorism after another Isis attack. Gun violence is not an act of nature: it’s not an unpredictable earthquake or unexpectedly severe hurricane.
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The shooting in Las Vegas dominates newspaper front pages across the world.The shooting in Las Vegas dominates newspaper front pages across the world.
America makes news around the world for all the wrong reasons. The massacre in Las Vegas dominates almost all of Tuesday's front pages. pic.twitter.com/1O12YXVsmWAmerica makes news around the world for all the wrong reasons. The massacre in Las Vegas dominates almost all of Tuesday's front pages. pic.twitter.com/1O12YXVsmW
#LasVegasShooting is the story on front pages in Iran's newspapers: - Death song in Las Vegas - Horror in Las Vegas- Blood symphony in Las Vegas- Terror concert in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/ScLLya72d8#LasVegasShooting is the story on front pages in Iran's newspapers: - Death song in Las Vegas - Horror in Las Vegas- Blood symphony in Las Vegas- Terror concert in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/ScLLya72d8
The Las Vegas Review-Journal has tweeted a preview of Tuesday’s front page.The Las Vegas Review-Journal has tweeted a preview of Tuesday’s front page.
An early look at our Tuesday edition.Read more → https://t.co/jxhfnBs9VZ pic.twitter.com/ftivrN77AqAn early look at our Tuesday edition.Read more → https://t.co/jxhfnBs9VZ pic.twitter.com/ftivrN77Aq
Monday’s papers in the city were going to press as news of the shooting was unfolding.Monday’s papers in the city were going to press as news of the shooting was unfolding.
Today's front pages in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/FvgOudtMGCToday's front pages in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/FvgOudtMGC
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Trevor Noah, the South African host of the popular Daily Show, has mocked America’s unwillingness to discuss gun control in the wake of the shooting.Trevor Noah, the South African host of the popular Daily Show, has mocked America’s unwillingness to discuss gun control in the wake of the shooting.
He pointed out that in his two years of presenting the show there have been 20 mass shootings and every time politicians have insisted this is not the time to talk about gun laws.He pointed out that in his two years of presenting the show there have been 20 mass shootings and every time politicians have insisted this is not the time to talk about gun laws.
He said the country appeared to be keener to blame hotel security than the ready availability of weapons.He said the country appeared to be keener to blame hotel security than the ready availability of weapons.
“We live in a world where people will put a gun before your lives,” Noah said.“We live in a world where people will put a gun before your lives,” Noah said.
Tonight at 11/10c, Trevor responds to the tragedy in Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/zUJFboVe1fTonight at 11/10c, Trevor responds to the tragedy in Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/zUJFboVe1f
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Two of the survivors of the Las Vegas mass shooting, have defended US gun laws.Two of the survivors of the Las Vegas mass shooting, have defended US gun laws.
Caren Mansholt told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that she crouched down as low as possible as multiple rounds of bullets were fired into the crowd from a hotel room where 23 guns were found.Caren Mansholt told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that she crouched down as low as possible as multiple rounds of bullets were fired into the crowd from a hotel room where 23 guns were found.
She said such attacks would not be prevented by tighter gun laws.She said such attacks would not be prevented by tighter gun laws.
“I do believe there is a time and a place for gun ownership. I believe that we have the right to protect ourselves as needed,” she said.“I do believe there is a time and a place for gun ownership. I believe that we have the right to protect ourselves as needed,” she said.
Rusty Dees, who was with Mansholt at the time, said: “The biggest problem for me and for many was that we didn’t hear anybody returning fire. I’m very concerned that we had no one outside to protect us. Unfortunately for me being unarmed and unable to do a whole lot decided it was time to get out of there.”Rusty Dees, who was with Mansholt at the time, said: “The biggest problem for me and for many was that we didn’t hear anybody returning fire. I’m very concerned that we had no one outside to protect us. Unfortunately for me being unarmed and unable to do a whole lot decided it was time to get out of there.”
Echoing an argument put forward by the former Fox News broadcaster Bill O’Reilly, Dees added: “It’s a tragic cost of freedom, that people can do bad things. If you can find a gun law that would prevent this from happening I could sign up today, but I am proud of our country’s second amendment rights and I’m glad we are allowed to defend ourselves.”Echoing an argument put forward by the former Fox News broadcaster Bill O’Reilly, Dees added: “It’s a tragic cost of freedom, that people can do bad things. If you can find a gun law that would prevent this from happening I could sign up today, but I am proud of our country’s second amendment rights and I’m glad we are allowed to defend ourselves.”
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Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
Theresa May has paid tribute to off-duty British troops who helped in the aftermath of the attack.Theresa May has paid tribute to off-duty British troops who helped in the aftermath of the attack.
Soldiers from the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards were taking time off in the resort after training at the Fort Irwin US army base in California when the attack occurred, according to the Daily Mirror.Soldiers from the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards were taking time off in the resort after training at the Fort Irwin US army base in California when the attack occurred, according to the Daily Mirror.
A source told the paper:A source told the paper:
Due to their experience, the guys who heard the noise knew instantly it was gunfire. Their training immediately kicked in and they rushed to the festival to help.Due to their experience, the guys who heard the noise knew instantly it was gunfire. Their training immediately kicked in and they rushed to the festival to help.
All soldiers in the cavalry are given medical training designed to preserve life on the battlefield.All soldiers in the cavalry are given medical training designed to preserve life on the battlefield.
“The injuries they were seeing were the ones they are well versed in treating.“The injuries they were seeing were the ones they are well versed in treating.
Speaking to Sky News, the prime minister said: “I understand there were some British troops nearby who went in and helped people who were affected by this. I would like to thank them for what they did.”Speaking to Sky News, the prime minister said: “I understand there were some British troops nearby who went in and helped people who were affected by this. I would like to thank them for what they did.”
May said the attack raised a number of questions. “We have also experienced a number of lone-wolf attacks here in the UK. This is what makes the job of the security services and of our police so difficult.”May said the attack raised a number of questions. “We have also experienced a number of lone-wolf attacks here in the UK. This is what makes the job of the security services and of our police so difficult.”
But she stopped short of backing calls for a change to US gun laws.But she stopped short of backing calls for a change to US gun laws.
Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain she is reported as saying: “I think it’s up to America what gun laws they put in place”.Speaking to ITV’s Good Morning Britain she is reported as saying: “I think it’s up to America what gun laws they put in place”.
"I think it's up to America what gun laws they put in place" @theresa_may speaks to @susannareid100 and @piersmorgan #GMB pic.twitter.com/55sG4E09QI"I think it's up to America what gun laws they put in place" @theresa_may speaks to @susannareid100 and @piersmorgan #GMB pic.twitter.com/55sG4E09QI
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The latestThe latest
At least 59 people have been killed and 527 injured in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.At least 59 people have been killed and 527 injured in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.
Police have named Stephen Paddock, a 64-year-old from Mesquite, Nevada, as the gunman.Police have named Stephen Paddock, a 64-year-old from Mesquite, Nevada, as the gunman.
Police found a huge arsenal of 42 firearms, explosives and ammunition in both his Las Vegas hotel room and Mesquite home.Police found a huge arsenal of 42 firearms, explosives and ammunition in both his Las Vegas hotel room and Mesquite home.
Experts believe an accessory known as a bump-stock was probably used in the attack. It modifies a semi-automatic weapon to fire at an automatic rate.Experts believe an accessory known as a bump-stock was probably used in the attack. It modifies a semi-automatic weapon to fire at an automatic rate.
There is still no known motive behind the attack, or any known links between Paddock and other organisations.There is still no known motive behind the attack, or any known links between Paddock and other organisations.
The suspect’s girlfriend was named as a person of interest, but police said he acted alone and that authorities would interview the woman after she returned from a trip to Tokyo.The suspect’s girlfriend was named as a person of interest, but police said he acted alone and that authorities would interview the woman after she returned from a trip to Tokyo.
President Donald Trump said he would visit Las Vegas on Wednesday and called the shooting “an act of pure evil”.President Donald Trump said he would visit Las Vegas on Wednesday and called the shooting “an act of pure evil”.
Hoaxes and fake news spread rapidly online, in some cases with boosts from Facebook and Google algorithms.Hoaxes and fake news spread rapidly online, in some cases with boosts from Facebook and Google algorithms.
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Jimmy Kimmel: ‘They should be praying for God to forgive them for letting the gun lobby run this country’Jimmy Kimmel: ‘They should be praying for God to forgive them for letting the gun lobby run this country’
Jimmy Kimmel, who teared up several times during his opening monologue, has delivered an impassioned speech on the need for gun law reform.Jimmy Kimmel, who teared up several times during his opening monologue, has delivered an impassioned speech on the need for gun law reform.
“Las Vegas happens to be my home town and [Bandleader] Cleto’s hometown and Cleto senior’s home town,” the host said, holding back tears.“Las Vegas happens to be my home town and [Bandleader] Cleto’s hometown and Cleto senior’s home town,” the host said, holding back tears.
“This morning we have children without parents and fathers without sons, mothers without daughters ... I don’t know why our so-called leaders continue to allow this to happen. Or, better question, why do we continue to let them allow it to happen?”“This morning we have children without parents and fathers without sons, mothers without daughters ... I don’t know why our so-called leaders continue to allow this to happen. Or, better question, why do we continue to let them allow it to happen?”
In a speech that touched on previous massacres in Orlando, Newtown and San Bernadino, Kimmel showed his audience pictures of 56 senators, including John McCain and Marco Rubio, who voted not to close a loophole that allowed people to buy guns without a background check from gun shows or online.In a speech that touched on previous massacres in Orlando, Newtown and San Bernadino, Kimmel showed his audience pictures of 56 senators, including John McCain and Marco Rubio, who voted not to close a loophole that allowed people to buy guns without a background check from gun shows or online.
“A number of other lawmakers who won’t do anything about this because the NRA has their balls in a money clip, also sent their thoughts and their prayers today, which is good. They should be praying. They should be praying for God to forgive them for letting the gun lobby run this country, because it’s so crazy.“A number of other lawmakers who won’t do anything about this because the NRA has their balls in a money clip, also sent their thoughts and their prayers today, which is good. They should be praying. They should be praying for God to forgive them for letting the gun lobby run this country, because it’s so crazy.
A tearful Jimmy Kimmel discusses the shooting in his hometown of Las Vegas and calls for gun control https://t.co/y5lATPvWeQ pic.twitter.com/X9mSokVrU7A tearful Jimmy Kimmel discusses the shooting in his hometown of Las Vegas and calls for gun control https://t.co/y5lATPvWeQ pic.twitter.com/X9mSokVrU7
“In 1980 we had a big fire at the MGM in Las Vegas. It was horrible, 85 people died, you could see the fire. I was 13 years old, I’ll never forget it. A man jumped out the window.“In 1980 we had a big fire at the MGM in Las Vegas. It was horrible, 85 people died, you could see the fire. I was 13 years old, I’ll never forget it. A man jumped out the window.
“Then a few months later there was another fire at the Hilton and five people died. So you know what they did? They changed the laws.“Then a few months later there was another fire at the Hilton and five people died. So you know what they did? They changed the laws.
“I want this to be a comedy show,” he said. “I hate talking about stuff like this. I just want to laugh about things every night, but that, it seems to be becoming increasingly difficult lately. It feels like someone has opened a window into hell.”“I want this to be a comedy show,” he said. “I hate talking about stuff like this. I just want to laugh about things every night, but that, it seems to be becoming increasingly difficult lately. It feels like someone has opened a window into hell.”
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'Bump-stock' could have enabled automatic fire'Bump-stock' could have enabled automatic fire
Associated Press are reporting that an accessory known as a bump-stock was discovered in Paddock’s Las Vegas hotel room, which may have enabled him to fire into the crowd at near-automatic levels.Associated Press are reporting that an accessory known as a bump-stock was discovered in Paddock’s Las Vegas hotel room, which may have enabled him to fire into the crowd at near-automatic levels.
AP are citing two officials on the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity. They said two bump-stocks were discovered in Paddock’s room, but were still investigating whether they were actually used in the attack.AP are citing two officials on the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity. They said two bump-stocks were discovered in Paddock’s room, but were still investigating whether they were actually used in the attack.
The accessory works by using a gun’s own recoil to bump against the user’s trigger finger – enabling an increased rate of fire. With a bump-stock, someone can get around restrictions on automatic weapons by firing a semi-automatic weapon at nearly an automatic rate.The accessory works by using a gun’s own recoil to bump against the user’s trigger finger – enabling an increased rate of fire. With a bump-stock, someone can get around restrictions on automatic weapons by firing a semi-automatic weapon at nearly an automatic rate.
Previously, the Guardian’s Lois Beckett spoke to firearms expert Massad Ayoob who speculated that a bump-stock had been involved in the shooting.Previously, the Guardian’s Lois Beckett spoke to firearms expert Massad Ayoob who speculated that a bump-stock had been involved in the shooting.
While automatic weapons are heavily regulated, semi-automatic guns are widely available and bump-stocks are perfectly legal to buy.While automatic weapons are heavily regulated, semi-automatic guns are widely available and bump-stocks are perfectly legal to buy.
The website of Bump Fire Systems advertised the device for $99.99, saying it permitted “simulated full-auto firing” that was “absolutely legal”.The website of Bump Fire Systems advertised the device for $99.99, saying it permitted “simulated full-auto firing” that was “absolutely legal”.
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