![At least 50 dead and 400 injured in the deadliest shooting in U.S history. [Image via The MMA Breakdown/YouTube]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/10/2/660x290/b_502x220x82/at-least-50-dead-and-400-injured-in-the-deadliest-shooting-in-us-history-youtubethe-mma-breakdown_1606085.jpg "At least 50 dead and 400 injured in the deadliest shooting in U.S history. [Image via The MMA Breakdown/YouTube]")
On Sunday at 22:08 time, a mass shooting occurred at the open-air Route 91 Harvest Festival being held near the Mandalay Bay Hotel. Approximately 22,000 people attended the event, and the shooting occurred while country singer Jason Aldean was performing onstage. It has been confirmed as the deadliest mass shooting in U.S history, with 527 seriously injured and at least 59 dead.
The terrorist
64-year-old Nevada resident Stephen Paddock has been identified as the gunman. Terrorist group Isis claimed responsibility for the attack, although no previous connections between the Islamic State and Paddock have been recorded.
Firing a rainfall of bullets from the 32nd floor of his hotel room, Paddock was in possession of ten rifles when he committed the crime. As festival-goers panicked and fought for their lives across the street, the Las Vegas Police Department found him dead at the scene. It's been believed that he committed suicide before they arrived.
Police had initially conducted a search for Paddock's female companion and possible accomplice, 62 year-old in-casino worker Marilou Danley. However, it's been reported that she was out of the country during the shooting. It's been believed that Paddock had stolen Danley's identification details to check into the hotel.
Response
Immediately, the public and celebrities both expressed their condolences to the victims and their families for the tragedy.
U.S. President Donald Trump (despite his controversial opinions on gun laws during the campaign) called the attack "pure evil." Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and former US President Barack Obama tweeted their solidarity to Las Vegas. Other musicians who expressed their anger and shock at the shooting include Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Ne-Yo and Harry Styles.
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
A tragic & heinous act of violence has shaken the #Nevada family. Our prayers are w/ the victims & all affected by this act of cowardice.
— Governor Sandoval (@GovSandoval) October 2, 2017
Michelle & I are praying for the victims in Las Vegas. Our thoughts are with their families & everyone enduring another senseless tragedy.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 2, 2017
Saying a prayer for all the victims & their loved ones, also for the residents & visitors of Las Vegas! This was a horrific act of terror!!
— Rihanna (@rihanna) October 2, 2017
Country singer and final performer of the festival Jason Aldean took to Instagram to express his sorrow and heartbreak over the attack.
He posted a photo of the Las Vegas skyline with the words "Pray for Las Vegas" superimposed over it. With the hashtags "heartbroken" and "No More Hate" finishing off the post, he wrote the following caption:
"Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still don't know what to say but wanted to let you know that me and my crew are safe. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurt my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night."
