Dozens were killed and many more injured in one of the most violent mass shootings in United States history. On October 1, 2017, multiple rounds of gunfire were shot into crowds at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. The gunman, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, fired the shots from his suite on the 32nd floor of the nearby Mandalay Bay Hotel. The attack started around 10:05 p.m. and ended at 10:15 p.m. About an hour after the last shot, police found Paddock dead in his hotel room from a self inflicted gun wound.

There are still a lot of unanswered questions left when it comes to small details surrounding the attack. Police have yet to identify a motive. First responders found 23 weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition, all legal weapons bought by Paddock, in his hotel suite. They also found cameras set up around the hotel room and in the hallways, believed to be used for surveillance.

“There are no words to describe the sadness we feel for those who lost their lives in this tragic event,” Paddock’s family said in a statement. “Please know that you are in our prayers and that our hearts are heavy for the families who have been left heartbroken and without answers.”

With 59 people dead, including the shooter, and close to 500 injured, the recovery efforts have been strong by the Las Vegas community and everyone in the country. A GoFundMe page, started in support of the victims, has raised over 10.5 million dollars. Thousands of people waited hours outside Las Vegas hospitals just to donate blood. Locals also donated food, transportation, and offered housing for the families of victims.

“We’re past the response portion of this terrible incident. This is all about recovery now,” Clark County Deputy Chief John Steinbeck said. “It’s going to be a very, very long process. But we want to work as hard and as focused as we can on it, and help the people that are in need for recovering from this, and heal together as a community.”

A few weeks after the shooting the help has been strong, but more is still needed. Those wishing to help can visit the GoFundMe page titled “Las Vegas Victims Fund”.

Noah Lynch

News Writer