Las Vegas Experiences the Deadliest Shooting in Modern U.S History
Our hearts go out to all affected by the tragedy that took place in Las Vegas Sunday night when a white man opened fire on the music festival from the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
It is known as the deadliest shooting in the modern U.S history with at least 59 people dead and over 500 injured. It is expected to see these numbers increase as the state of many victims is unknown. Jason Aldean was the headliner of Sunday night's coner. There is footage of him rushing off the platform amid the gunfire. Many others performers including Jake Owen, Luke Combs and Dylan Scott were also performing during this horrible tragedy.
About the Shooter
Authorities say that the suspected gunman was a 64 year old Mesquite, Nevada, resident named Stephen Paddock. Officials found 10 suitcases of ammunition and 23 firearms in his hotel room. Once police had entered the room, they found Paddock dead, believed to have been a suicide. Due to the lack of motive, it appears that Paddock was psychotic as he had no crimianl record and no prior history of violence. His brother Eric Paddock and girlfriend, Marilou Danley, who is currently out of the country, both say that they did not see this coming.
A Resilient Community
In this state of horror, there is a glimmer of hope as this nation binds together in support of those hurting. Many concert goers and off duty police officers bound together during the shooting to help as many people as possible. The shooting panicked victims into hiding under cars, in fridges and behind what ever was close by. In efforts to help those affected, many companies have pledged their commitment to supporting:
- Station Casinos announced Monday that they commit to $1 million dollars in support of those affected by the shooter. “We were deeply saddened by the news of the devastating event that occurred in Las Vegas,” company Chairman and CEO Frank J. Fertitta III said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the countless others inside and outside of our community whose lives were affected by this horrific and senseless act.”
- A GoFundMe account started by Lombardo and Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak to help victims and their families pay for funeral and travel expenses received nearly $2.4 million in donations by Monday evening. One donor alone pledged $400,000, Sisolak said.
- Area hotels, including MGM Resorts International, are coordinating rooms at no cost for families coming into town, and the American Red Cross established headquarters at the Circus Circus Hotel & Resort, Fasulo said.
Our thanks go out to all the first responders that assisted those at the concert venue that Sunday night. The Mandalay Bay resort also thanks first repsonders, tweeting, "Our thoughts & prayers are with the victims of last night's tragic events. We're grateful for the immediate action of our first responders."
Police said family and friends looking for their loved ones can call 1-800-536-9488
