BREAKING NEWS UPDATE
DEATH TOLL RISES TO 50 – MORE THAN 200 INJURED – AT LEAST 2 POLICE OFFICERS AMONG THE DEAD
At least 50 people are dead and more than 200 injured in the Mandalay Bay concert shooting making it the deadliest, yet, in the US. According to sources, the gunman has been identified as a 64-year-old white male.
At this time there is in excess of 50 deceased and over 200 injured individuals.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
49 lives were lost in Orlando shooting in June 2016.
Lombardo has confirmed reports that the dead gunman was, indeed, Stephen Paddock. He said the investigation will be long and protracted.
President Donald Trump is being briefed about the incident, according to White House. Meanwhile, the president has tweeted his condolences.
My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2017
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The Las Vegas Police Sheriff has reportedly confirmed that 20 people lost their lives and more than 100 injured in the Las Vegas shooting.
The shooter – who spread mayhem from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay property, where he was finally gunned down by the police – has been identified as a local resident.
The Sheriff has, also, confirmed that the shooter was not attached to any militant group or terror outfit.
A manhunt (read womanhunt) is now on for a female companion who is believed to have traveled with the suspect before the shooting took place.
Early this morning, Las Vegas police verified reports of an active shooter on the loose at a country music festival in the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino area on Las Vegas Boulevard.
The gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon at the outdoor concert crowd, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 100 – many of them critically.
Thousands of people dived and scrambled for cover as soon as they realized what was happening – sadly not all have come out unscathed from the dastardly act.
Country singer Jason Aldean was performing when a staccato of shots rang out. This is what he shared about the unfortunate developments.
Writing on Instagram he said:
“Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still dont know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that Me and my Crew are safe. My Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night.”
The University Medical Center was taking in “several” gunshot victims being rushed there by emergency services, said the Las Vegas hospital’s spokeswoman. She didn’t have anything further to say – probably for want of more information at the time.
We’re investigating reports of an active shooter near/around Mandalay Bay Casino. Asking everyone to please avoid the area. #LVMPDnews
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
Authorities immediate shut down parts of the Las Vegas Strip and Interstate 15 following the incident.
Please avoid heading to the south end of the Strip. Las Vegas Blvd is shut down at Tropicana, southbound past Russell Rd at this time.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
I15 freeway is closed to traffic at this time from Tropicana to Russell Rd. Again, please avoid the area.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed shooting down one suspect and started investigating reports of more gunfire coming in from other venues in the vicinity, as reported by the New York Times.
Confirming that one suspect is down. This is an active investigation. Again, please do not head down to the Strip at this time.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
Another tweet from LVMPD, within the hour, was somewhat of a relief as they did not believe there were more shooters involved.
At this time we do not believe there are any more shooters. More information to come shortly from @Sheriff_LVMPD.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
Some witnesses, however, are convinced that there were multiple gunmen claiming that “hundreds of shots” were flying around during the prolonged shooting.
Some incoming flights at the McCarran International Airport were affected as they had to be diverted because of the shooting, the official twitter account of the airport confirmed.
Some flights destined for @LASairport were diverted due to police incident. Please check with your air carrier if flying/picking up tonight.
— McCarran Airport (@LASairport) October 2, 2017
More disturbing footage of the scene outside the Mandalay Bay hotel and the festival venue.
MORE: Footage with sound of gunshots from music concert at Las Vegas Casino pic.twitter.com/Psz019S5HU https://t.co/fBr8S49B3d #MandalayBay
— David Moore (@mooredavid1970) October 2, 2017
KGET News reporter Danny Freeman reports that one of the several off-duty police officers from Bakersfield, California, present at the venue, was shot.
**BREAKING: Bakersfield Police say several off-duty BPD officers were at the Vegas country concert. One was shot.** @KGETnews pic.twitter.com/eEn8xqGCYz
— Danny Freeman (@DannyEFreeman) October 2, 2017