Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival Shooting LIVE Blog

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On Sunday evening (10-1), a shooter named Stephen Paddock opened fire on attendees of the Route 91 Harvest Festival in downtown Las Vegas, killing at least 58 people, and injuring an estimated 515 according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. Saving Country Music will keep LIVE update rolling here with news and info, and how people can help.

Please find LIVE updates BELOW:

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Here’s the basics as we know them (updating as info becomes available):

• 59 dead, 527 wounded. It is the deadliest mass shooting in American history, surpassing the Pulse nightclub shooting. To locate missing, call (866) 535-5654

• The shooter was Stephen Paddock, a 64-year-old man white male from Mesquite, Nevada. He was on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Casino overlooking the festival site.
• Police “breached the hotel room” where the shooter was located and “found the suspect dead.” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said at a news conference that they believe the suspect killed himself before police entered.
• The shooter had been at the Mandalay Bay hotel since September 28, 2017. “There was an excess of 10 rifles in the room,” said Sheriff Joseph Lombardo in a press conference.
• Police have raided the suspect’s home in Mesquite and are doing a thorough search of the premises.
• Law enforcement says that at this time, the suspect is not known to have a significant criminal past.
• Police say there were no additional shooters.
• No performers or their crews have been confirmed as part of the casualties so far.
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How You Can Help:

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• The FBI in Las Vegas is asking anyone with videos or photos from the 10/1/17 Las Vegas shooting to please call 1-800-CALLFBI (255-5324)

A victims fund has been set up via Go Fund Me.

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Live Updates:

5:22 – Sheriff Joe Lombardo of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department says they have confiscated a total of 18 additional firearms from the suspect’s home, as well as “explosives” and thousands of rounds of ammunition. There are also numerous electronic devices they are investigating.

5:03 – The casualty numbers have just been updated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. There are now 59 dead, and 527 injured. The police also confirm they are processing four separate crime scenes.

3:55 – Some of the guns used in the massacre were sold to the suspect by Guns & Guitars, Inc., according to general manager, Christopher M Sullivan. A total of 10 guns were found in the suspects Mandalay Bay room. Sullivan has released a statement,

“We mourn for this tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the lost and injured. Mr. Paddock was a customer and purchased firearms from our store; however, all necessary background checks and procedures were followed, as required by local, state, and federal law. He never gave any indication or reason to believe he was unstable or unfit at any time. We are currently cooperating with the ongoing investigation by local and federal law enforcement in any way we can.”

3:27 – Live Nation, who were the promoters of the concert, have just released a more detailed statement.

“We are heartbroken over the tragedy that took place at the Route 91 Harvest festival. To think that anyone would want to inflict harm on a gathering of music lovers is beyond our comprehension. And while we are stunned and grieving over this incomprehensible act of violence, we know that this is a moment when we must come together to prevent more tragedies like this from occurring.

“Live Nation will do everything in our power to support the victims and their families through the aftermath of this horrendous event and extends our deepest gratitude to the heroic first responders who helped save as many lives as possible. To our Live Nation on-site employees, we cannot thank you enough for your bravery and perseverance over the past 24 hours and will ensure you have the resources and support necessary to heal from this.”

3:24 – The reports of the death of Tom Petty have made an even more somber day.

2:37 – Attorney General Jeff Sessions: “I met with FBI Director Wray this morning. The investigation into the horrific shooting last night in Las Vegas is ongoing. I also spoke to Las Vegas Metropolitan Sheriff Joe Lombardo today. I expressed my gratitude for the courageous work of his officers through the night and offered him the full support of the FBI, the ATF and the entire Department of Justice as he takes the lead investigating the incident. To the many families whose lives have been changed forever by this heinous act, we offer you our prayers and our promise that we will do everything in our power to get justice for your loved ones.”

2:23 – Numerous benefit concerts are already in the works to help aid the victims of the shooting, with details to be announced in the coming hours and days.

2:21 – The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has established the Music City Cares Fund with 100 percent of the donations going to Las Vegas to help with the immediate and long-term needs of victims. “Country music is the heart of Music City,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “We are reaching out to country music fans who fell victim to this evil. They must know we care and care deeply. Our prayers are with them.” To donate go to cmft.org .

2:04 – Monday was supposed to be the final day of voting for the CMA awards to be held in November, but the CMA has just extended voting due to the attack until Tuesday. “Our hearts go out to the fans, artists and crew members who experienced the tragedy in Las Vegas last night. The country community is deeply saddened to hear lives were lost and many injured at the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Prayers for all as we search for understanding and come together to cope with this horrific act,” the CMA said in a statement.

1:57 – Multiple groups connected to ISIS have claimed responsibility for the shooting, leading to some speculation it could have been a terrorist attack. However local and national authorities say at this point there is absolutely no evidence to link the incident with international terrorism.

1:46 – Authorities say that at least 12 people are in critical condition and fighting for their lives. Death toll is still 58. Some injured came from being trampled, or run over by vehicles fleeing the scene.

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1:40 – Uber is offering free rides to anyone in the Las Vegas area who want to donate blood at donation centers or hospitals.

1:38 – Dr. John Fildes describes the incident from the hospital’s perspective. “The alarming thing was watching the front door open. It never stopped. Gurneys just kept coming in. Trucks would come. People would be brought in by friends. Private vehicles and taxis dropped off patients. They just kept coming in. We did what in trauma is known as ‘damage control’ – which is really just a matter of stopping the dying process. Get the patient stabilized, get them off the table, get the next one in there, and that’s what we kind of did all night long.” (from CNN)

1:20 – More Artist Reactions:

Like you our hearts are torn apart over this horrible event… God Bless us all!!! – Oak Ridge Boys

Heartbroken & in shock about the news from Las Vegas! Praying for our nation! – Lee Greenwood

just woke up to the news about the shooting in Vegas. i’m speechless. praying for everyone there. – Charlie Worsham

Oh my God, Las Vegas…I have no words. – Rhiannon Giddens

Heartbroken to hear of the mass shooting in Las Vegas. Sending prayers to those involved. – Margo Price

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1:13There will be a national moment of silence to honor the victims of the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting at 2:45 EDT, 1:45 CDT.

1:05According to relatives and neighbors of suspect Stephen Paddock, he was a fan of country music, and regularly went to shows in Las Vegas clubs and venues catering to many of the same acts that performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

1:01According to a retired police officer, the smoke from all the expended ammunition from the suspect’s room at the Mandalay Bay set off a smoke detector, which is what led police directly to the room. Story from The Washington Post.

12:56Many upcoming shows and concerts in the Las Vegas area are being canceled in the aftermath of the shooting. A hotbed for the dance club scene, many performers and fans of dance/club/EDM are sending heartfelt condolences to the country music community.

12:49 – NEW INFO – The suspect’s father, Benjamin Hoskins Paddock, was on the FBI’s most wanted list from June 10, 1969 until May 5, 1977. Benjamin Paddock died a few years ago. Suspect Stephen Paddock’s brother Eric Paddock says Stephen was born while his father was on the run.

An FBI most wanted poster from 1969 says Paddock was convicted of bank robbery, automobile larceny, and “confidence game,” calling him “psychopathic” and known to “carried firearms in commission of bank robberies.” He “reportedly has suicidal tendencies and should be considered armed and very dangerous.”

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12:40 – Places where you can donate blood locally in the Las Vegas area. Obviously you can donate blood anywhere, any time to help in situations like these.

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12:33 – Lines are forming at local Las Vegas blood banks as residents and tourists take up the call for blood donations. Below photo was taken by Hector Salas who was visiting the city for a conference and answered the call.

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12:28 – More Artist reactions:

I’m sickened. Praying for all. In London and just heard what happened to our friends in Las Vegas. – Randy Houser

I’m shook. I don’t know how to comprehend this. My heart hurts. I’m so sad for fans & my friends. Music is supposed to bring us together. – Lindsay Ell

Everyone in the B&R camp is ok thoughts and prayers to everyone in vegas – Big & Rich

Absolutely Heartbroken,,,, Prayers up for all the folks, fans, artists, victims and families for everyone suffering in Las Vegas… – Neal McCoy

“My heart hurts… What in the world?! Let’s all show VEGAS we have their back in this madness. Praying for all of the victims and for the Country music community. Damn, this hits close to home. We WILL get through this.” — Brett Eldredge

“Heartbreaking news this morning. We are praying for everyone. JESUS, be with these people. Unbelievable. This world makes me sad.” – Chris Janson

“Paying for everyone at [Harvest Festival]. There are no words right now that suffice.” – Brad Paisley

“Heartbroken over the news of VEGAS. My thoughts with all the innocent victims and their families.” – Shania Twain

“Words can’t begin explain my sadness. My family and I are praying for the victims of this tragedy. Truly heartbroken.” – Luke Bryan

“My heart. [ROUTE 91 HARVEST].” – Miranda Lambert

“Just hearing about VEGAS. Noooooooo. Heartbroken for VEGAS [and] the Country community. Numbingly terrifying. Wtf.” – Kacey Musgraves

“Wow. Y’all join me in praying for VEGAS [right now].” – Scotty McCreery

“My deepest sympathies and prayers to anyone [who] has been affected by the VEGAS shooting last night. I don’t even know anymore… Why?” – Blake Shelton

“Speechless and sick to my stomach and heartbroken over VEGAS. Praying, praying, praying for all the victims and their families. GOD bless.” – Brian Kelly (Florida Georgia Line)

“One year ago, we played ROUTE 91 on SUNDAY night. Our prayers are with all the first responders, artists, crew, and mostly, the Country fans.” – Little Big Town

12:10 – Both Sony Music Nashville and BBR Music Group, which both had multiple performers at the festival, say all of their performers and crew are safe and accounted for according to The Tennessean.

Due to the orientation of the stage, where much of the crew and performers were was probably better shielded from the gunfire.

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12:08 – Nashville Mayor Meghan Barry has announced there will be a vigil Monday night at the Ascend Amphitheater. “An unimaginable scene of terror has shocked and saddened our nation. This tragedy hits especially close to home as so many of the artists and crew represented at this music festival are Nashvillians seeking to entertain and bring joy to country music fans around the world,” Barry said. “My heart goes out to the friends and family members of the victims of this deadly shooting, and we pray for a speedy recovering of those injured.”

12:05 – A victims fund has been set up via Go Fund Me, with $625,000 raised in just under four hours.

12:00 – More raw footage from the shooting, taken by a fan. WARNING: Could be disturbing to some viewers.

11:56 – Flags at The White House and other government buildings are being ordered to half staff.

11:54 – More information on the suspect Stephen Paddock: He was an accountant, and had no kids. His ex-wife is being interviewed by police.

11:52 – At the moment, there is no confirmed information on any of the performers or their crews being injured or killed in the shooting, however the identification of the victims is still very preliminary.

11:50 – The Josh Abbott Band performed at the festival, and was staying at the Mandalay Bay. “Everyone in JAB is accounted for. They evacuated us from Mandalay. My fiancée is still in room. They won’t let me in but she’s safe,” Josh Abbott tweeted out Sunday night after the shooting has ceased. About an hour ago, he gave some further updates. ” I got back to Taylor & our room in Mandalay about 30 minutes ago. The rest of the band & crew are home now. Was a long awful night. I’ll never unhear those gunshots; and our band & crew will never forget how that moment made them feel. Our hearts are with all the victims.”

11:45 – Some of the many outpourings from artists. 

My heart is heavy today. The tragedy in Las Vegas last night is hitting way too close to home. My thoughts & prayers are with those impacted – Tracy Lawrence

I’m thankful many of my brothers & sisters in the business are safe but my heart is broken for those killed/injured in the Vegas shooting. – Josh Turner

What a truly awful thing. It simply shouldn’t be that easy to hurt that many people. – Jason Isbell

My heart goes out to all of our friends, jasonaldean, our music family and fans in Las Vegas.… – Reba McEntire

Woke up to such horrible news. We are praying for the victims and their families. May the Lord bring some comfort to them. – Carrie Underwood

Stilled and speechless… Our hearts and prayers are with everyone involved and affected. – Keith Urban

11:36 – Raw audio as police respond to the shooting:

11:31 – Orientation of the Harvest 81 Festival site.

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11:28 – Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval addressing the shooting. “It’s unimaginable what people are going through right now. We have to rely on our faith at a time like this.”

11:21 – Raw footage of the brother of Stephen Paddock, 55-year-old Eric Paddock, speaking to the media. He says he’s been speaking with authorities in Las Vegas all morning.

11:20 – Local authorities are saying the greatest need, especially in the Las Vegas area is donations of blood.

11:15 – Police say the suspect Stephen Paddock broke out a window on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Casino with a “hammer-like” device. Early reports are that the 10 guns found in the hotel room were all purchased legally. At the moment, there are no known ties to terrorism or extremist groups, but police are still early in their investigation.

11:12 – Stephen Paddock bought a home in Mesquite, Nevada in January 2015 for $369,000. It is roughly 80 miles from Las Vegas. His girlfriend, Marilou Danley, who was once considered a person of interest in the shooting investigation, lived with Paddock in the 2,018-square-foot home according to records.

11:08 – The brother of the shooter, 55-year-old Eric Paddock, spoke to the Las Vegas Review Journal Monday morning, saying in part, ““We have no idea how this happened. It’s like an asteroid just fell on top of our family. There is no reason we can imagine why Stephen would do something like this. All we can do is send our condolences to the people who died. Just no reason, no warning. As far as we knew, he had enough money to live the rest of his life in comfort. We’re lost. We don’t get it. This is like someone else did this. He might have had a gun or two, but he didn’t have a huge stock of guns.”

10:57 –  Jason Aldean was the headliner at the final day of the three-day festival, and was on stage when the shooting began.

In a post on Instagram after the attack, Aldean wrote, “Tonight has been beyond horrific. I still don’t 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. #heartbroken #stopthehate”

There is video showing Jason Aldean performing “When She Says Baby” as the attack started

10:51 – Information on the festival:

This was the fourth year for the Route 91 Harvest Festival, an open-air festival held at Las Vegas Village at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. Attendance last year was around 25,000. The festival was sold out. The festival is organized by Live Nation and tour promoter Brian O’Connell, who also produces country festivals Watershed in Washington, Faster Horses in Michigan, Lake Shake in Chicago and Farmborough in New York City.

Following the shooting, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino tweeted, “Our hearts are with the victims in Las Vegas, their families and loved ones who are grieving this morning.” (info from NPR).

 

10:46 – Jake Owen, who was performing at the festival, recounts his experience, “I was on the stage. I had just walked up on the stage with a couple friends of mine, including Luke Combs, another artist who had played earlier, and we were literally standing 50 feet from where Jason was on stage, and all of a sudden, you heard what sounded – it was kind of a think where you were like, ‘Was that gunfire?’ – and it got faster and faster, almost like it was an automatic rifle,” he said. “You could hear it ringing off the rafters off the top of the stage. That’s when you saw people fleeing. At that point, people on stage just started running everywhere possible. And it was pretty chaotic, for sure.”

10:45 – President Trump has spoken on the matter, saying in part: “We cannot fathom their pain, we cannot imagine their loss,” Trump said of those who lost loved ones in the massacre. In times such as these I know we are searching for some kind of meaning in the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness. The answers do not come easy. But we can take solace knowing that even the darkest space can be brightened by a single light, and even the most terrible despair can be illuminated by a single ray of hope.”

 

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