Today took place one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history since 1949. The gunman was confirmed to be a 64-year-old man named Stephen Paddock, he locked himself in his room with 10 guns and shot at crowds attending a music festival from his 32nd story window in the Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada.
It was confirmed that after the murderer had ceased fire on to the masses he turned his gun on himself and committed suicide. 22,000 people attended the Route 91 Music Festival and these people were sent into a frenzy by the lone gunman, at least 58 people have been confirmed to have lost their lives and over 500 have been injured.
When a S.W.A.T team charged the suspect’s hotel room they found the lifeless body of Paddock as well as 10 firearms, and a smashed window where it was believed he opened fire from.
What is known about Stephen Paddock? Before the events of today, Mr Paddock had no criminal record other than a few minor citations, his only association to guns was being a licenced hunter. His only link to a life of crime was his father, a notorious bank robber, who was once one of the ten most wanted men in America. He resided in a place called Mesquite which was only 80 miles away from the scene of today’s carnage.
So called “Islamic State” have claimed responsibility for this act of devastation, saying that he was a soldier of the cause. The FBI have made no connection whatsoever between him and the radicalist group.
So the act of violence is over but the damage for many people will never cease to exist from their thoughts and feelings for their loved ones.
Any major updates on this story will be reported – stay tuned for more.
