A gunman opened fire into a crowd gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada, at a music festival on Sunday October 1, 2017. This morning following the attack last night, authorities have confirmed the present death toll of 50 people makes this the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
The Vegas shooting surpassed the Pulse Night Club shooting in Orlando that occurred in June 2016 and left 49 people dead.
Around 22,000 people were gathered last night on the Las Vegas strip to attend the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. The gunman, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, used a vantage point from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel to shoot into the crowd.
BBC News reports authorities have no information so far about the motives of Paddock, and Sheriff Joe Lombardo said he acted as a “lone wolf.” However, police have located a woman, Marilou Danley, they believe was traveling with Paddock. Paddock lived in Mesquite, Nevada, located about 60 miles north of Las Vegas.
Faith and government leaders have responded to the tragedy on social media.
The general secretary responds to the mass shooting in #LasVegas with a call to prayer and action: https://t.co/P8DxyXIGiR pic.twitter.com/q8GDIQ3X3i
— Church & Society UMC (@umcjustice) October 2, 2017
In terrors of hell, let an increasingly disembodied Body of Christ be embodied again: warm skin to hold, serve & weep with the traumatized.
— Beth Moore (@BethMooreLPM) October 2, 2017
We join many at home and abroad sending our thoughts and condolences to the victims and families of the attack in #LasVegas.
— Department of State (@StateDept) October 2, 2017
The reports from Las Vegas are horrifying. Praying for the victims, the city, and for those who will minister in the aftermath.
— Russell Moore (@drmoore) October 2, 2017
Pray for the families of those killed and for the 100+ wounded in a shooting rampage last night in #LasVegas. #LasVegasShooting
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) October 2, 2017
— Ronnie Floyd (@ronniefloyd) October 2, 2017
I had friends caught up in this hellish Las Vegas shooting. Thank God they are ok. This world needs saving.
— Brian Houston (@BrianCHouston) October 2, 2017
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
Prayers and tears for Vegas. Have been watching it unfold from Sweden over the past few hours. Heartbroken.
— Christine Caine (@ChristineCaine) October 2, 2017
Heartbroken over Vegas. Longing for the day when God wipes away every tear and there is no more death.
— Craig Groeschel (@craiggroeschel) October 2, 2017
#PrayforVegas: victims, families, & 1st responders who are impacted. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21 pic.twitter.com/vuge89YF1C
— James MacDonald (@jamesmacdonald) October 2, 2017
“Lord, we pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. We pray for the many 1st responders as well. Help and touch the wounded.”
— Greg Laurie (@greglaurie) October 2, 2017
Weeping with those who weep.
Maranatha, Lord.#prayforvegas
— Lauren Chandler (@laurenchandler) October 2, 2017
