Worst Mass Shooting in America’s Modern History
When a gunman on a high floor of a Las Vegas hotel opened fire on an outdoor music festival, at least 59 people died and 527 were injured. It was one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history.
According to local police, Stephen Paddock, 64-year-old local resident, fired on thousands of concertgoers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay. He killed innocent civilians and terrified the audience as they ran for cover.
The mass shooting left bloody trails on the open ground as dozens were killed and hundreds wounded.
The massacre started about 10:08 p.m. Sunday (1:08 a.m. ET Monday) at the three-day Route 91 Harvest festival.
The attack is the worst mass shooting in recent US history.
The Lone Attacker
Many described the shooting as “a lone wolf attack” because it only involved one gunman. The man was found dead in his room at the hotel. Police believe he killed himself, ending the massacre.
Investigations are underway to find the motive for the attack. The Las Vegas police department discovered at least 23 firearms, including a handgun, in Mr. Paddock’s hotel suite. In addition, the police found hundreds of rounds of ammunition, including two rifles outfitted with scopes and set up on tripods in front of two big windows. Another official said that among the weapons were AR-15-style assault rifles.
The police also searched the house of Mr. Paddock in Mesquite, Nevada. The team retrieved 19 firearms, as well as explosives, several thousand rounds of ammunition and “electronic devices.”
Who is Stephen Paddock?
Mr. Paddock has no criminal record, according to police. There are only files of purchased arms which were legally acquired.
The family of the gunman were overwhelmed with disbelief of what has transpired in Las Vegas that involved Mr. Paddock as the sole suspect.
The gunman’s brother, Eric Paddock in Orlando, Florida, said he was stunned to learn Stephen was believed responsible: “We’re still just completely befuddled. Dumbstruck.”
He described his brother as having “no history of violence.” He mentioned that his brother “loved to gamble. He loved – when I say loved – it was a job. It was fun because people were nice to him.”
Paddock was divorced with no known children.
