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Stephen Paddock: Las Vegas gunman identified by police as 64-year-old white male Stephen Paddock: Las Vegas gunman identified by police as 64-year-old white male
(35 minutes later)
The suspected gunman in the mass shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas has been named as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock.The suspected gunman in the mass shooting at a music festival in Las Vegas has been named as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock.
At least 50 people were killed and more than 200 injured at the Route 91 country music event near the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.At least 50 people were killed and more than 200 injured at the Route 91 country music event near the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.
It is the deadliest mass shooting in US history, with the death toll surpassing the 49 killed at a nightclub in Orlando in June 2016. It is the deadliest mass shooting in US history, with the death toll surpassing the 49 killed at a nightclub in Orlando in June 2016.
Witnesses described seeing flashes of light high up in the tower of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and a noise "like firecrackers" as a "clip after clip" was unloaded into the crowd. Witnesses described seeing flashes of light high up in the tower of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and a noise "like firecrackers" as "clip after clip" was unloaded into the 40,000-strong crowd.
The shooter was believed to have been firing down at concert-goers from the 32nd floor.The shooter was believed to have been firing down at concert-goers from the 32nd floor.
A Swot team used a controlled explosion to enter the hotel room, where they shot Paddock – of Mesquite, Nevada – dead.A Swot team used a controlled explosion to enter the hotel room, where they shot Paddock – of Mesquite, Nevada – dead.
Announcing the suspect's name, Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said police had "located numerous firearms", including rifles, in the hotel room and a search of Paddock's house was due to take place shortly.Announcing the suspect's name, Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said police had "located numerous firearms", including rifles, in the hotel room and a search of Paddock's house was due to take place shortly.
He said Paddock was born on the 9 April 1953, adding: "As far as history and background we haven’t completed that part of the investigation." He said Paddock was born on 9 April 1953, adding: "As far as history and background we haven’t completed that part of the investigation."
Police previously said they did not believe the suspect was connected to militant groups.Police previously said they did not believe the suspect was connected to militant groups.
Sheriff Lombardo added: "We are looking at in excess of 50 individuals dead and over 200 individuals injured ... Obviously this is a tragic incident and one that we have never experienced in this valley. My condolences go out to the loved ones." Records show Paddock lived in a three-year-old, $396,000 (£297,554) two-bedroom home in the small community of Mesquite, 80 miles north east of Las Vegas near the Arizona state border.
The FBI – including federal crime scene investigators – were assisting in the investigation, he said, adding:  "It is going to be a long and tedious investigation." Local media said he had also previously lived in Reno, Nevada, California and Florida.
Authorities said they had found a person of interest in their investigation, a 62-year-old female companion of the shooter called Marilou Danley. Sheriff Lombardo said: "We are looking at in excess of 50 individuals dead and over 200 individuals injured ... Obviously this is a tragic incident and one that we have never experienced in this valley. My condolences go out to the loved ones."
One Las Vegas police officer is among the dead, while another is in a critical condition.
The FBI – including federal crime scene investigators – were assisting in the investigation, Sheriff Lombardo said, adding:  "It is going to be a long and tedious investigation."
He said police had found a person of interest, a 62-year-old female companion of the shooter called Marilou Danley.
US President Donald Trump responded to the massacre on Twitter, saying: "My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!"