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Republicans delay gun silencer bill as Trump visits Puerto Rico – live updates Republicans delay gun silencer bill as Trump visits Puerto Rico – live updates
(35 minutes later)
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Las Vegas sheriff: all but three victims ID'd
Nevada police have begun a press conference to update the public on the investigation into Sunday’s mass shooting in Las Vegas, one of the worst in modern American history.
Sheriff Joe Lombardo speaks first. He stresses “it’s an ongoing investigation so it’s limited the details that I can give you.”
“Our department has worked through the night to identify all of Sunday night’s shooting.” He says they have identified all but three victims, and the FBI are working to clear the crime scene at the hotel.
He says that police anticipate Las Vegas Boulevard will open in the next few hours as the federal agents finish their work.
“We’re asking for anyone who might have information about the shooting in a criminal capacity or you are a victim, call 311.” If you are out of state 702-828-3111.
At the convention center, family reunification is still going on, where people can go to file missing persons report, contact the coroner, and ask for information. That phone number is 1-866-535-5654.
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San Juan mayor 'hopes Trump stops spouting'San Juan mayor 'hopes Trump stops spouting'
San Juan mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz has responded to Donald Trump’s remarks that Puerto Rico’s recovery has “thrown our budget a little out of whack,” and his suggestion that the island has not suffered “a real catastrophe like Katrina.”San Juan mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz has responded to Donald Trump’s remarks that Puerto Rico’s recovery has “thrown our budget a little out of whack,” and his suggestion that the island has not suffered “a real catastrophe like Katrina.”
“I would hope that the president of the United States stops spouting out comments that are hurtful to the people of Puerto Rico,” Cruz told CNN. “It doesn’t make you feel good.”“I would hope that the president of the United States stops spouting out comments that are hurtful to the people of Puerto Rico,” Cruz told CNN. “It doesn’t make you feel good.”
Cruz described two extremely dissimilar meetings with White House staff. One was for the cameras, she said, in which Trump held court among various officials, praised many of them, and compared the catastrophe favorably to hurricane Katrina in 2005. “You can be very proud, only sixteen instead of thousands [killed] in Katrina,” the president says. “Sixteen versus literally thousands.” Cruz described two extremely dissimilar meetings with White House staff. One was for the cameras, she said, in which Trump held court among various officials, praised many of them, and compared the catastrophe favorably to hurricane Katrina in 2005. “You can be very proud, only sixteen instead of thousands [killed] in Katrina,” he said. “Sixteen versus literally thousands.”
This meeting, Cruz said, “was a public relations situation” that did not get to the problems on the island. This meeting, Cruz said, “was a public relations situation” that did not deal with the problems on the island.
“We tend to judge human crises by the number of people who die instantly,” she said. “So of course when you say Katrina there were thousands, that doesn’t convey the message that people are dying on a continuum because they don’t have dialysis, they don’t have healthcare, they’re drinking out of creeks.”“We tend to judge human crises by the number of people who die instantly,” she said. “So of course when you say Katrina there were thousands, that doesn’t convey the message that people are dying on a continuum because they don’t have dialysis, they don’t have healthcare, they’re drinking out of creeks.”
“Sometimes his style of communication gets in the way,” Cruz said, of accomplishing goals. “Rather than commander in chief he really becomes miscommunicator in chief.”“Sometimes his style of communication gets in the way,” Cruz said, of accomplishing goals. “Rather than commander in chief he really becomes miscommunicator in chief.”
The mayor briefly met the president at the Muniz air base earlier on Tuesday, and reportedly tried to tell him that their shared priority was to save lives, saying “it’s not about politics.”The mayor briefly met the president at the Muniz air base earlier on Tuesday, and reportedly tried to tell him that their shared priority was to save lives, saying “it’s not about politics.”
She echoed that point to CNN, saying: “it’s about respect for the Puerto Rican people and it’s about saving lives.”She echoed that point to CNN, saying: “it’s about respect for the Puerto Rican people and it’s about saving lives.”
Cruz praised other federal officials in the Trump administration, saying that after the president’s remarks she and four other mayors spoke at length with officials from the budget office, small business administration, and other agencies.Cruz praised other federal officials in the Trump administration, saying that after the president’s remarks she and four other mayors spoke at length with officials from the budget office, small business administration, and other agencies.
“There was a disconnect between what they were hearing and what was really happening,” Cruz said, calling this second meeting “productive”.“There was a disconnect between what they were hearing and what was really happening,” Cruz said, calling this second meeting “productive”.
She stressed the logistics involved in recovery, especially with communications and roads still in disarray, if not inaccessible, around much of the island.She stressed the logistics involved in recovery, especially with communications and roads still in disarray, if not inaccessible, around much of the island.
Meeting with WH staff productive. They REALLY understood the disconnect between how things are supposed to happen and how they really happen
“We need robust centers of distribution, a robust supply chain that is not only robust but also consistent,” she said, adding that too often, “you get one pallet of water today you don’t get five for the next week.”“We need robust centers of distribution, a robust supply chain that is not only robust but also consistent,” she said, adding that too often, “you get one pallet of water today you don’t get five for the next week.”
She said that she and the officials talked about long-term planning with contracts, saying that they should set aside 20% of funds for municipalities, and create regional distribution centers to help re-establish supply lines around the island.She said that she and the officials talked about long-term planning with contracts, saying that they should set aside 20% of funds for municipalities, and create regional distribution centers to help re-establish supply lines around the island.
“If you have a $1m contract, set aside $200,000 of that so that it is the municipality that does the work,” she said.“If you have a $1m contract, set aside $200,000 of that so that it is the municipality that does the work,” she said.
The two meetings, she said, were “totally disconnected”. Cruz described one as “Alice in Wonderland” and the other as “back to reality”.The two meetings, she said, were “totally disconnected”. Cruz described one as “Alice in Wonderland” and the other as “back to reality”.
“I saw a real connection between the reality and the White House staff,” she said.“I saw a real connection between the reality and the White House staff,” she said.
“I would love to say nothing more than to stand in front of the camera and to say we were heard and things are moving along,” she continued. But she said she could not, given the circumstances: “if we don’t have interconnectivity, if we don’t stabilize the hospitals, if we don’t have a robust supply chain…”“I would love to say nothing more than to stand in front of the camera and to say we were heard and things are moving along,” she continued. But she said she could not, given the circumstances: “if we don’t have interconnectivity, if we don’t stabilize the hospitals, if we don’t have a robust supply chain…”
Meeting with WH staff productive. They REALLY understood the disconnect between how things are supposed to happen and how they really happen Hopefully the newly open channels of communication with WH staff will put in motion what is needed to accomplish our goal: save lives.
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Republicans delay silencer billRepublicans delay silencer bill
Leaders of the House of Representatives have again delayed their plan to loosen regulations on gun silencers in the wake of the Las Vegas rampage.Leaders of the House of Representatives have again delayed their plan to loosen regulations on gun silencers in the wake of the Las Vegas rampage.
“We are all reeling from this horror in Las Vegas,” House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters on Tuesday. “This is just awful.”“We are all reeling from this horror in Las Vegas,” House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters on Tuesday. “This is just awful.”
Lawmakers have indefinitely shelved the bill, supported by the National Rifle Association and a House committee last month, Ryan said.Lawmakers have indefinitely shelved the bill, supported by the National Rifle Association and a House committee last month, Ryan said.
“I don’t know when it will be scheduled,” he said. House Republicans have also proposed a bill to let people with concealed-carry permits to take their guns across state lines.“I don’t know when it will be scheduled,” he said. House Republicans have also proposed a bill to let people with concealed-carry permits to take their guns across state lines.
Earlier this year they delayed a vote on the silencer bill after a gunman attacked Republican lawmakers practicing baseball.Earlier this year they delayed a vote on the silencer bill after a gunman attacked Republican lawmakers practicing baseball.
Democratic leaders in the House have pushed for new gun rules in the wake of the shooting, though Republicans, who have stymied such efforts for years, control both chambers of Congress.Democratic leaders in the House have pushed for new gun rules in the wake of the shooting, though Republicans, who have stymied such efforts for years, control both chambers of Congress.
The House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi, and senators Richard Durbin and Chris Murphy have urged for background checks on all gun purchases.The House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi, and senators Richard Durbin and Chris Murphy have urged for background checks on all gun purchases.
“Gun violence is a public health crisis,” Durbin said on Tuesday, invoking the mass shootings in Chicago, Oregon, and elsewhere in the last few years.“Gun violence is a public health crisis,” Durbin said on Tuesday, invoking the mass shootings in Chicago, Oregon, and elsewhere in the last few years.
“We failed to respond in time for those victims and their families. But if we work together, we can stop shootings in the future.”“We failed to respond in time for those victims and their families. But if we work together, we can stop shootings in the future.”
Pelosi asked Ryan to create a committee to research gun violence and recommend prevention solutions. But the effort appears largely symbolic: a bipartisan effort to expand background checks failed in the Senate in 2013, after the massacre of 20 children and six adults in Newtown, Connecticut.Pelosi asked Ryan to create a committee to research gun violence and recommend prevention solutions. But the effort appears largely symbolic: a bipartisan effort to expand background checks failed in the Senate in 2013, after the massacre of 20 children and six adults in Newtown, Connecticut.
On Tuesday, senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, echoed the White House in saying that discussion of new gun rules would be “premature”.On Tuesday, senator Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader, echoed the White House in saying that discussion of new gun rules would be “premature”.
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The president has met San Juan mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, according to the White House pool report, but the exchange was brief.The president has met San Juan mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, according to the White House pool report, but the exchange was brief.
On Tuesday Trump shook the hand of the San Juan mayor he publicly insulted, after declaring on Twitter on Saturday that she had “poor leadership.”On Tuesday Trump shook the hand of the San Juan mayor he publicly insulted, after declaring on Twitter on Saturday that she had “poor leadership.”
According to the pool report, the pair “exchanged pleasantries,” and Trump asked Carmen Yulín Cruz how she was.According to the pool report, the pair “exchanged pleasantries,” and Trump asked Carmen Yulín Cruz how she was.
Before meeting the president, Cruz said in a statement that she wanted to make clear to him that their shared priority should be “about saving lives, not about politics”.Before meeting the president, Cruz said in a statement that she wanted to make clear to him that their shared priority should be “about saving lives, not about politics”.
Trump accused Cruz of “poor leadership” over the weekend, after she criticized his acting secretary of Homeland Security, who called Puerto Rico “a good news story”.Trump accused Cruz of “poor leadership” over the weekend, after she criticized his acting secretary of Homeland Security, who called Puerto Rico “a good news story”.
Cruz responded to the acting secretary with an impassioned speech: “If anybody out there is listening to us, we are dying, and you are killing us with the inefficiency and the bureaucracy.”Cruz responded to the acting secretary with an impassioned speech: “If anybody out there is listening to us, we are dying, and you are killing us with the inefficiency and the bureaucracy.”
Trump later criticized the work of Puerto Rican relief works, saying “they want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort.” He then called his critics “politically motivated ingrates”. On Tuesday he said that Cruz had “come back a long way”.Trump later criticized the work of Puerto Rican relief works, saying “they want everything to be done for them when it should be a community effort.” He then called his critics “politically motivated ingrates”. On Tuesday he said that Cruz had “come back a long way”.
NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell tweeted that, during their short encounter on the island, Cruz told Trump “it’s not about politics” and that “Trump didn’t answer then pointedly ignored her.”NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell tweeted that, during their short encounter on the island, Cruz told Trump “it’s not about politics” and that “Trump didn’t answer then pointedly ignored her.”
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On Puerto Rico, the president is continuing along his tightly controlled press tour with residents, local officials and relief workers.On Puerto Rico, the president is continuing along his tightly controlled press tour with residents, local officials and relief workers.
At one location, toured the Cavalry Chapel, in south-east San Juan, he started tossing some supply items into the crowd, according to the White House pool report.At one location, toured the Cavalry Chapel, in south-east San Juan, he started tossing some supply items into the crowd, according to the White House pool report.
Shaking hands with people in the crowd, the report reads, “picked up a can of tinned chicken breast and held it aloft for the crowd to see.”Shaking hands with people in the crowd, the report reads, “picked up a can of tinned chicken breast and held it aloft for the crowd to see.”
“He handed one man in the crowd a pack of batteries.”“He handed one man in the crowd a pack of batteries.”
Then, as his wife followed him: “he held up a flashlight and showed it to the crowd, shaking hands the whole time.”Then, as his wife followed him: “he held up a flashlight and showed it to the crowd, shaking hands the whole time.”
“Trump kept picking up items from tables laden with supplies, showing them to the crowd and handing them to people with outstretched hands. ‘There’s a lot of love in this room,’ the president said. ‘Great people.’”“Trump kept picking up items from tables laden with supplies, showing them to the crowd and handing them to people with outstretched hands. ‘There’s a lot of love in this room,’ the president said. ‘Great people.’”
The president “moved to a pile of yellow bags containing rice and handed them to whoever was nearest. He tossed rolls of paper towels into the crowd. Two were caught but one fell onto the carpet. The first lady was handing out small boxed solar panels.”The president “moved to a pile of yellow bags containing rice and handed them to whoever was nearest. He tossed rolls of paper towels into the crowd. Two were caught but one fell onto the carpet. The first lady was handing out small boxed solar panels.”
According to the pooler, chief of staff John Kelly “conferred in quiet tones” with the director of FEMA, Brock Long.According to the pooler, chief of staff John Kelly “conferred in quiet tones” with the director of FEMA, Brock Long.
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The University Medical Center of Southern Nevada has provided a few harrowing details of how its patients are faring in the aftermath of Sunday’s shooting.The University Medical Center of Southern Nevada has provided a few harrowing details of how its patients are faring in the aftermath of Sunday’s shooting.
The hospital is the main critical trauma facility in the region, meaning that it has been at the center of efforts to save the lives of the worst injured people. More than 20 people were admitted in critical condition, the center said in a statement, and many still need breathing tubes.The hospital is the main critical trauma facility in the region, meaning that it has been at the center of efforts to save the lives of the worst injured people. More than 20 people were admitted in critical condition, the center said in a statement, and many still need breathing tubes.
Many of the gunshot victims did not require surgery, but did need blood transfusions or chest tubes. The hospital took in 104 people in all in the hours after the attack.Many of the gunshot victims did not require surgery, but did need blood transfusions or chest tubes. The hospital took in 104 people in all in the hours after the attack.
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Anonymous law enforcement officials have told NBC News and CNN that the Las Vegas shooting suspect, Stephen Paddock, wired $100,000 to an account in the Philippines at some point before Sunday’s shooting.Anonymous law enforcement officials have told NBC News and CNN that the Las Vegas shooting suspect, Stephen Paddock, wired $100,000 to an account in the Philippines at some point before Sunday’s shooting.
According to NBC, citing unnamed “senior law enforcement officials”, Paddock wired the money to an account there in the week before the shooting. His girlfriend, Marilou Danley, was born in the Philippines and was abroad at the time of the shooting.According to NBC, citing unnamed “senior law enforcement officials”, Paddock wired the money to an account there in the week before the shooting. His girlfriend, Marilou Danley, was born in the Philippines and was abroad at the time of the shooting.
A law enforcement official also told CNN that Paddock wired $100,000 to an account in the Philippines, but similarly had no information about to whom it was intended.A law enforcement official also told CNN that Paddock wired $100,000 to an account in the Philippines, but similarly had no information about to whom it was intended.
Police said Danley, who has been abroad since 25 September, is cooperating with them and plans to meet with investigators on her return to the US. They said at a briefing on Monday that Paddock, who checked into his hotel on 28 September, was seen on surveillance footage taking suitcases – now believed to be weapons – into his room alone.Police said Danley, who has been abroad since 25 September, is cooperating with them and plans to meet with investigators on her return to the US. They said at a briefing on Monday that Paddock, who checked into his hotel on 28 September, was seen on surveillance footage taking suitcases – now believed to be weapons – into his room alone.
On Monday, las Vegas sheriff Joe Lombardo said that police have spoken repeatedly with Danley but believe her “at this time not to be involved” in the shooting.On Monday, las Vegas sheriff Joe Lombardo said that police have spoken repeatedly with Danley but believe her “at this time not to be involved” in the shooting.
A law enforcement official confirms to @SchneiderCNN that Stephen Paddock wired $100,000 to the Philippines. Officials unsure when the wire happened or identity of recipient. FBI is working with Filipino authorities to determine details.A law enforcement official confirms to @SchneiderCNN that Stephen Paddock wired $100,000 to the Philippines. Officials unsure when the wire happened or identity of recipient. FBI is working with Filipino authorities to determine details.
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Dozens of off-duty police officers and firefighters were in attendance at the Las Vegas music festival on Sunday night. Several were injured or killed, or lost loved ones in the shooting.Dozens of off-duty police officers and firefighters were in attendance at the Las Vegas music festival on Sunday night. Several were injured or killed, or lost loved ones in the shooting.
San Francisco police chief William Scott has identified one of the 59 killed as, Stacee Etcheber, the spouse of an SFPD officer.San Francisco police chief William Scott has identified one of the 59 killed as, Stacee Etcheber, the spouse of an SFPD officer.
Stacee was taken in a senseless act of violence as her husband, SFPD officer Vinnie Etcheber, heroically rushed to aid shooting victims in Las Vegas on Sunday. Stacee was a beloved mother of two young children and a well-loved hair stylist in Marin County. As we grieve, we ask the public to keep the Etcheber family in their thoughts, along with all of the victims of this tragic incident.”Stacee was taken in a senseless act of violence as her husband, SFPD officer Vinnie Etcheber, heroically rushed to aid shooting victims in Las Vegas on Sunday. Stacee was a beloved mother of two young children and a well-loved hair stylist in Marin County. As we grieve, we ask the public to keep the Etcheber family in their thoughts, along with all of the victims of this tragic incident.”
12 members of firefighters union were shot during #vegasshooting, 2 of them while administering CPR to others #8NN12 members of firefighters union were shot during #vegasshooting, 2 of them while administering CPR to others #8NN
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The president is currently meeting with Americans on Puerto Rico who are struggling to rebuild in the wake of hurricane Maria. But his cohort is sparse: only his familiar aides and a select group of residents and leaders.The president is currently meeting with Americans on Puerto Rico who are struggling to rebuild in the wake of hurricane Maria. But his cohort is sparse: only his familiar aides and a select group of residents and leaders.
He is expected to deliver more remarks over the course of the visit; the itinerary handed out by the White House shows that he intends to stay in and near the capital of San Juan.He is expected to deliver more remarks over the course of the visit; the itinerary handed out by the White House shows that he intends to stay in and near the capital of San Juan.
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Despite the president’s effusive praise for federal recovery efforts, Puerto Rico’s situation remains dire, as the territory’s government makes clear on a site tracking its progress.Despite the president’s effusive praise for federal recovery efforts, Puerto Rico’s situation remains dire, as the territory’s government makes clear on a site tracking its progress.
Only 6.89% of the island has power and only 45% has potable water. In Puerto Rico’s north, on 13% has safe water. Flights are running at 25% capacity, and only 27% of ATMs are operating. More than 9,400 people are still in shelters around the territory. Much of the island has little to no capacity to communicate – meaning people do not know where to deliver supplies or how to get them.Only 6.89% of the island has power and only 45% has potable water. In Puerto Rico’s north, on 13% has safe water. Flights are running at 25% capacity, and only 27% of ATMs are operating. More than 9,400 people are still in shelters around the territory. Much of the island has little to no capacity to communicate – meaning people do not know where to deliver supplies or how to get them.
And the crisis is one that exacerbates with time: in 80-90F heat, with large areas of stagnant, often polluted water, health risks like mosquito-borne illnesses multiply.And the crisis is one that exacerbates with time: in 80-90F heat, with large areas of stagnant, often polluted water, health risks like mosquito-borne illnesses multiply.
Although federal agencies have tried to tally the deaths during and after hurricane Katrina (between 1,100 and 1,833, depending on the count), the actual number will likely never be known. State officials continued counting victims for months after the storm had dissipated, of direct victims (people killed by drowning or debris, for instance), and of indirect victims, such as being cut off from medical care or lacking basic supplies in the aftermath of the hurricane.Although federal agencies have tried to tally the deaths during and after hurricane Katrina (between 1,100 and 1,833, depending on the count), the actual number will likely never be known. State officials continued counting victims for months after the storm had dissipated, of direct victims (people killed by drowning or debris, for instance), and of indirect victims, such as being cut off from medical care or lacking basic supplies in the aftermath of the hurricane.
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Trump compares disaster favorably to KatrinaTrump compares disaster favorably to Katrina
Trump continues to go name various cabinet members and administration officials around the room.Trump continues to go name various cabinet members and administration officials around the room.
He sees Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget chief. “Mick is in charge of a thing called the budget,” the president says.He sees Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget chief. “Mick is in charge of a thing called the budget,” the president says.
“I hate to tell you, Puerto Rico, but you’ve thrown our budget a little out of whack,” he says, “because we’ve spent a lot of money on Puerto Rico. But that’s fine because we’ve saved a lot of lives.”“I hate to tell you, Puerto Rico, but you’ve thrown our budget a little out of whack,” he says, “because we’ve spent a lot of money on Puerto Rico. But that’s fine because we’ve saved a lot of lives.”
“Every death is a horror but if you look at a real catastrophe like Katrina and the hundreds and hundreds of people who died,” he says, alluding to the 2005 catastrophe during and after which between 1,100 and 1,833 people died.“Every death is a horror but if you look at a real catastrophe like Katrina and the hundreds and hundreds of people who died,” he says, alluding to the 2005 catastrophe during and after which between 1,100 and 1,833 people died.
“And you look at a storm like this which was really overpowering,” he continues, asking the governor what the current death toll on the island is. Rossello says 16 people were confirmed killed; officials have repeatedly said they expect the toll to rise.“And you look at a storm like this which was really overpowering,” he continues, asking the governor what the current death toll on the island is. Rossello says 16 people were confirmed killed; officials have repeatedly said they expect the toll to rise.
“You can be very proud, only sixteen instead of thousands in Katrina,” the president says. “Sixteen versus literally thousands.”“You can be very proud, only sixteen instead of thousands in Katrina,” the president says. “Sixteen versus literally thousands.”
Trump leads briefing on hurricane recovery in San Juan - including with city’s mayor, who he criticized on twitter pic.twitter.com/j4bYsUmxpDTrump leads briefing on hurricane recovery in San Juan - including with city’s mayor, who he criticized on twitter pic.twitter.com/j4bYsUmxpD
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Trump addresses Puerto Rican leadersTrump addresses Puerto Rican leaders
In Puerto Rico, Donald Trump is addressing military and recovery personnel and the territory’s leaders.In Puerto Rico, Donald Trump is addressing military and recovery personnel and the territory’s leaders.
He recounts the string of hurricanes, Harvey, Irma and Maria, that swept through the Caribbean on paths toward US states and territories.He recounts the string of hurricanes, Harvey, Irma and Maria, that swept through the Caribbean on paths toward US states and territories.
“I was going to be here a week ago if you remember and that was the day of the hurricane,” the president says.“I was going to be here a week ago if you remember and that was the day of the hurricane,” the president says.
He then goes on an extended litany of thanks to various federal officials, Puerto Rico’s governor and its congresswoman.He then goes on an extended litany of thanks to various federal officials, Puerto Rico’s governor and its congresswoman.
“Brock has been unbelievable,” he says, to FEMA administrator Brock Long. He thanks Elaine Duke, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who last week called the recovery a “good news story”, angering San Juan’s mayor.“Brock has been unbelievable,” he says, to FEMA administrator Brock Long. He thanks Elaine Duke, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who last week called the recovery a “good news story”, angering San Juan’s mayor.
“This has been the toughest one, this has been a category five, which few people have ever even heard of,” Trump says.“This has been the toughest one, this has been a category five, which few people have ever even heard of,” Trump says.
Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a category 4 hurricane.Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico as a category 4 hurricane.
He thanks homeland security adviser Tom Bossert, and general Buchanan.“There’s no doubt about it you are a general,” he says. “I don’t want a general who plays games.”He thanks homeland security adviser Tom Bossert, and general Buchanan.“There’s no doubt about it you are a general,” he says. “I don’t want a general who plays games.”
He thanks Governor Ricardo Rossello: “Your governor, he’s not even from my party and he started right at the beginning appreciating what we’ve been doing. He’s been tremendously supportive.”He thanks Governor Ricardo Rossello: “Your governor, he’s not even from my party and he started right at the beginning appreciating what we’ve been doing. He’s been tremendously supportive.”
“Right from the beginning this governor did not play politics. He was calling it like it was,” Trump continues. “He was giving us the highest grades, and on behalf of our country I want to thank you.”“Right from the beginning this governor did not play politics. He was calling it like it was,” Trump continues. “He was giving us the highest grades, and on behalf of our country I want to thank you.”
“I also want to thank you congresswoman,” he continues, reading Jenniffer González-Colón’s name off a piece of paper. He says he “watched [her] the other day” and was happy to hear what she was saying.“I also want to thank you congresswoman,” he continues, reading Jenniffer González-Colón’s name off a piece of paper. He says he “watched [her] the other day” and was happy to hear what she was saying.
“It’s not about me and it’s about these incredible people from the military to FEMA and the first responders.”“It’s not about me and it’s about these incredible people from the military to FEMA and the first responders.”
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As Donald Trump arrives in Puerto Rico – Air Force One has landed and greeted Governor Ricardo Rossello and military personnel – Nevada’s leaders are still pleading for locals to give blood.As Donald Trump arrives in Puerto Rico – Air Force One has landed and greeted Governor Ricardo Rossello and military personnel – Nevada’s leaders are still pleading for locals to give blood.
At least 12 people remain in critical condition at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, a spokeswoman said, and more than 500 others remain injured.At least 12 people remain in critical condition at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, a spokeswoman said, and more than 500 others remain injured.
One of the biggest needs is for people to donate blood. Please donate if you can & find a bank near you https://t.co/VzImdoREE6 #VegasStrongOne of the biggest needs is for people to donate blood. Please donate if you can & find a bank near you https://t.co/VzImdoREE6 #VegasStrong
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Governor Ricardo Rosselló has arrived at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, where Donald Trump is due to arrive in the next few minutes.Governor Ricardo Rosselló has arrived at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, where Donald Trump is due to arrive in the next few minutes.
Rafael Lenin Lopez is one of the journalists also waiting for Air Force One.Rafael Lenin Lopez is one of the journalists also waiting for Air Force One.
Llega el Gobernador. pic.twitter.com/gCMHVulg0iLlega el Gobernador. pic.twitter.com/gCMHVulg0i
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Ashifa KassamAshifa Kassam
Canadian authorities have identified two more victims of the Las Vegas shooting, Ashifa Kassam reports from Toronto.Canadian authorities have identified two more victims of the Las Vegas shooting, Ashifa Kassam reports from Toronto.
CTV News has confirmed the identity of a third Canadian killed in the attacks: Calla Medig, of Jasper AlbertaCTV News has confirmed the identity of a third Canadian killed in the attacks: Calla Medig, of Jasper Alberta
“My heart is numb knowing such a tragedy struck our small community,” Tessa Mac of Jasper said in a Facebook post. “Heaven is an even brighter place now that they have you Calla.” Another Canadian outlet, CBC, has spoken a Vegas bartender who, after coming across an injured Canadian who would later die from his gunshot wounds, spent more than five hours by his side, using his phone to break the news to his girlfriend and speak to his parents. “I couldn’t just leave him by himself,” she said.“My heart is numb knowing such a tragedy struck our small community,” Tessa Mac of Jasper said in a Facebook post. “Heaven is an even brighter place now that they have you Calla.” Another Canadian outlet, CBC, has spoken a Vegas bartender who, after coming across an injured Canadian who would later die from his gunshot wounds, spent more than five hours by his side, using his phone to break the news to his girlfriend and speak to his parents. “I couldn’t just leave him by himself,” she said.
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The international aid group Oxfam has announced it is joining the recovery effort on Puerto Rico, and accused the Trump administration of a “slow and inadequate response” to the crisis.The international aid group Oxfam has announced it is joining the recovery effort on Puerto Rico, and accused the Trump administration of a “slow and inadequate response” to the crisis.
“We are outraged at the slow and inadequate response the US government has mounted in Puerto Rico,” Abby Maxman, the president of Oxfam America, said in a statement.“We are outraged at the slow and inadequate response the US government has mounted in Puerto Rico,” Abby Maxman, the president of Oxfam America, said in a statement.
“Clean water, food, fuel, electricity, and health care are in desperately short supply and quickly dwindling, and we’re hearing excuses and criticism from the administration instead of a cohesive and compassionate response.“Clean water, food, fuel, electricity, and health care are in desperately short supply and quickly dwindling, and we’re hearing excuses and criticism from the administration instead of a cohesive and compassionate response.
“The US has more than enough resources to mobilize an emergency response but has failed to do so in a swift and robust manner.”“The US has more than enough resources to mobilize an emergency response but has failed to do so in a swift and robust manner.”
The group said it would pursue “a two-pronged response” of lobbying Congress and federal agencies to send more resources and waive barriers to that aid. Oxfam has also sent a team to assess and counter the risks of unsafe water, areas without shelter, and cholera and other diseases.The group said it would pursue “a two-pronged response” of lobbying Congress and federal agencies to send more resources and waive barriers to that aid. Oxfam has also sent a team to assess and counter the risks of unsafe water, areas without shelter, and cholera and other diseases.
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San Juan mayor accepts invitation to meet TrumpSan Juan mayor accepts invitation to meet Trump
San Juan mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz has accepted an invitation to meet with Donald Trump, she has just announced in a statement.San Juan mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz has accepted an invitation to meet with Donald Trump, she has just announced in a statement.
“This is about saving lives, not about politics,” she says.“This is about saving lives, not about politics,” she says.
“I have been invited to attend a briefing with President Trump today while he visits Puerto Rico. I have accepted the invitation on behalf of the people of San Juan and out of respect for the American people represented by the office of the president of the United States.“I have been invited to attend a briefing with President Trump today while he visits Puerto Rico. I have accepted the invitation on behalf of the people of San Juan and out of respect for the American people represented by the office of the president of the United States.
I will use this opportunity to reiterate the primary message: this is about saving lives, not about politics; this is about giving the people of Puerto Rico the respect we deserve; and recognize the moral imperative to do both.I will use this opportunity to reiterate the primary message: this is about saving lives, not about politics; this is about giving the people of Puerto Rico the respect we deserve; and recognize the moral imperative to do both.
To save lives we need a robust and continuous supply chain of aid, we need to adapt standard operating procedures to local reality. And above all we need to cut the red tape.To save lives we need a robust and continuous supply chain of aid, we need to adapt standard operating procedures to local reality. And above all we need to cut the red tape.
Open channels of communication are always good to have but they must produce much needed results.Open channels of communication are always good to have but they must produce much needed results.
This is a humanitarian crisis and it must be treated with that sense of urgency. That is the only way to complete the only mission that matters: saving lives. That is what it is all about.”This is a humanitarian crisis and it must be treated with that sense of urgency. That is the only way to complete the only mission that matters: saving lives. That is what it is all about.”
Trump attacked Cruz at length over the weekend after she pleaded for help and criticized the administration’s characterization of Puerto Rico as a “good news story”.Trump attacked Cruz at length over the weekend after she pleaded for help and criticized the administration’s characterization of Puerto Rico as a “good news story”.
“If anybody out there is listening to us, we are dying, and you are killing us with the inefficiency and the bureaucracy,” Cruz said on Friday.“If anybody out there is listening to us, we are dying, and you are killing us with the inefficiency and the bureaucracy,” Cruz said on Friday.
The president then accused her of “poor leadership” and said critics of his administration, which hesitated to waive restrictions on shipping to the island, were “politically motivated ingrates”. On Tuesday morning he said Cruz had “come back a long way”.The president then accused her of “poor leadership” and said critics of his administration, which hesitated to waive restrictions on shipping to the island, were “politically motivated ingrates”. On Tuesday morning he said Cruz had “come back a long way”.
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CBS’s David Begnaud, on Puerto Rico since Maria made landfall there on 20 September, reports that the island has made a tiny improvement in its supply of electricity.CBS’s David Begnaud, on Puerto Rico since Maria made landfall there on 20 September, reports that the island has made a tiny improvement in its supply of electricity.
The president is due to arrive around 11am local time. Governor Ricardo Rosselló is scheduled to meet with him, as is Kenneth Mapp, governor of the US Virgin Islands.The president is due to arrive around 11am local time. Governor Ricardo Rosselló is scheduled to meet with him, as is Kenneth Mapp, governor of the US Virgin Islands.
Only 7% (5% yesterday) of Puerto Rico has power. This was the reaction, Saturday, in Levittown when the lights came on (📸 Luis Asencio) pic.twitter.com/X03lpNniJeOnly 7% (5% yesterday) of Puerto Rico has power. This was the reaction, Saturday, in Levittown when the lights came on (📸 Luis Asencio) pic.twitter.com/X03lpNniJe
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Las Vegas shooting: 59 dead and 527 injured, officials sayLas Vegas shooting: 59 dead and 527 injured, officials say
A day after a gunman opened fire on a concert in Las Vegas, American officials are grappling with its aftermath – fighting to save lives in hospitals, struggling to reunite families, mourning and investigating – while also contending with a crisis off the mainland: the recovery of hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.A day after a gunman opened fire on a concert in Las Vegas, American officials are grappling with its aftermath – fighting to save lives in hospitals, struggling to reunite families, mourning and investigating – while also contending with a crisis off the mainland: the recovery of hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.
President Donald Trump is en route to the island early Tuesday morning, before any new updates from Nevada authorities on the Sunday night shooting. Here’s what we know:President Donald Trump is en route to the island early Tuesday morning, before any new updates from Nevada authorities on the Sunday night shooting. Here’s what we know:
A gunman killed 59 people and wounded 516 when he opened fire from a 32nd-floor hotel room into the crowd at a country music festival on the Las Vegas strip.A gunman killed 59 people and wounded 516 when he opened fire from a 32nd-floor hotel room into the crowd at a country music festival on the Las Vegas strip.
He had 23 guns in the room, including AR-15-style rifles, and another 19 and thousands of rounds at his home, in Mesquite, Nevada. He checked into the large, two-room suite on 28 September, and broke windows to fire outward.He had 23 guns in the room, including AR-15-style rifles, and another 19 and thousands of rounds at his home, in Mesquite, Nevada. He checked into the large, two-room suite on 28 September, and broke windows to fire outward.
Authorities named the suspect as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, a wealthy real-estate investor and gambler. Described by family as having no strong political or religious feelings, his motive remains unknownAuthorities named the suspect as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, a wealthy real-estate investor and gambler. Described by family as having no strong political or religious feelings, his motive remains unknown
Trump called the attack “an act of pure evil” on Monday, and said he would visit Las Vegas on Wednesday.Trump called the attack “an act of pure evil” on Monday, and said he would visit Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The White House resisted calls to consider new gun laws, saying it would be “premature” to discuss them. Republicans in Congress, set to loosen rules on silencers, delayed their plans.The White House resisted calls to consider new gun laws, saying it would be “premature” to discuss them. Republicans in Congress, set to loosen rules on silencers, delayed their plans.
Before departing for Puerto Rico on Tuesday, the president broached the shooting. “What happened in Las Vegas is in many was a miracle,” he said. “The police department has done such an incredible job, and we’ll be talking about gun laws as time goes by.”Before departing for Puerto Rico on Tuesday, the president broached the shooting. “What happened in Las Vegas is in many was a miracle,” he said. “The police department has done such an incredible job, and we’ll be talking about gun laws as time goes by.”
Although police have not described the shooter’s mental health at all, the president called him “a sick man, a demented man, a lot of problems, I guess”.Although police have not described the shooter’s mental health at all, the president called him “a sick man, a demented man, a lot of problems, I guess”.
“We’re looking into him very, very seriously. We’re dealing with a very very sick individual.”“We’re looking into him very, very seriously. We’re dealing with a very very sick individual.”
On Puerto Rico, rescue and recovery teams are still struggling with the devastation on the island, where millions of people have limited or no access to safe water, electricity, shelter, or medicine.On Puerto Rico, rescue and recovery teams are still struggling with the devastation on the island, where millions of people have limited or no access to safe water, electricity, shelter, or medicine.
At least 16 people have died since hurricane Maria made landfall as a category-four storm on 20 September.At least 16 people have died since hurricane Maria made landfall as a category-four storm on 20 September.
The mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz, pleaded for help, saying on Friday: “if anybody out there is listening to us, we are dying.”The mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz, pleaded for help, saying on Friday: “if anybody out there is listening to us, we are dying.”
Trump derided the mayor over the weekend, and said attacked critics who said his administration was slow to help Americans on the island, calling them “politically motivated ingrates”.Trump derided the mayor over the weekend, and said attacked critics who said his administration was slow to help Americans on the island, calling them “politically motivated ingrates”.
The governor, Ricardo Rosselló, said that in an optimistic scenario 80% of Puerto Rico could have power by the end of October. Overall recovery for the territory, which was struggling with a long-running financial crisis before the storm, could take a decade. Rosselló ordered an indefinite curfew to deter crime.The governor, Ricardo Rosselló, said that in an optimistic scenario 80% of Puerto Rico could have power by the end of October. Overall recovery for the territory, which was struggling with a long-running financial crisis before the storm, could take a decade. Rosselló ordered an indefinite curfew to deter crime.
The president again defended the work of federal authorities – and again claimed that locals were not doing enough. He said Cruz has “come back a long way” but “we need their truck drivers to start driving trucks.”The president again defended the work of federal authorities – and again claimed that locals were not doing enough. He said Cruz has “come back a long way” but “we need their truck drivers to start driving trucks.”
In Texas and in Florida, we get an A+. And I’ll tell you what, I think we’ve done just as good in Puerto Rico, and it’s actually a much tougher situation. But now the roads are cleared, communications is starting to come back. We need their truck drivers to start driving trucks.In Texas and in Florida, we get an A+. And I’ll tell you what, I think we’ve done just as good in Puerto Rico, and it’s actually a much tougher situation. But now the roads are cleared, communications is starting to come back. We need their truck drivers to start driving trucks.
On a local level, they have to give us more help. But I will tell you, the first responders, the military, Fema, they have done an incredible job in Puerto Rico. And whether it’s her or anybody else, they’re all starting to say it. I appreciate very much the governor and his comments. He has said we have done an incredible job, and that’s the truth.On a local level, they have to give us more help. But I will tell you, the first responders, the military, Fema, they have done an incredible job in Puerto Rico. And whether it’s her or anybody else, they’re all starting to say it. I appreciate very much the governor and his comments. He has said we have done an incredible job, and that’s the truth.
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