Donald Trump condemns Las Vegas shooting: Stephen Paddock gun massacre was 'act of pure evil'

Hatty Collier2 October 2017

Donald Trump has condemned the Las Vegas shooting massacre as “an act of pure evil”.

In a televised address, the US President delivered a message of unity and said America was joined together in "sadness, shock and grief" following the worst mass shooting in modern US history.

The gunman, named as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, opened fire on crowds at an outdoor music festival from a hotel room overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, killing 58 people and injuring 515 more.

Mr Trump said he would be visiting Las Vegas on Wednesday with First Lady Melania to meet with law enforcement and the families of the victims.

President Donald Trump makes a statement about the mass shooting in Las Vegas
AP

Speaking at a press conference at just before 8am local time (4pm UK time), he said: “Last night a gunman opened fire on a large crowd at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada, brutally murdering more than 50 people and wounding hundreds more.

“It was an act of pure evil. The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are working closely with the local authorities to assist the investigation.”

Las Vegas Shooting - In pictures

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He praised police and first responders for their “courageous efforts” and said that the speed at which they had responded to the attack was “miraculous”. He added that emergency services personnel had saved "many, many lives".

Mr Trump said the US must be "unified" and that although "we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that binds us today and always will".

In a sombre, measured address, the US president offered condolences to the families of those killed, saying: "We cannot fathom their pain. We cannot imagine their loss.

"We are praying for you. We are here for you."

Mr Trump said flags will be flown at half-mast to honour the victims until sunset on October 6.

The proclamation covers flags at the White House and all public buildings, military posts, naval stations and naval vessels throughout the United States and all territories. It also extends to embassies, military facilities and other sites overseas.

The president said he and his wife Melania were praying for those who have been lost and wounded, and for "the entire nation to find unity and peace".

About 32,000 people were at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival when the gunman opened fire from the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino at 10.20pm local time (6.20am UK time).

Thousands fled as the killer fired from a room on the 32nd floor of the hotel.

The gunfire stopped and several people shouted, “That’s gunshots!” before the shooting started again. Concert-goers reported seeing muzzle flashes from the upper floors of the hotel.

The Strip was shut down and several SWAT teams were seen entering the hotel. There were reports of officers being pinned down by gunfire. The police blew open the gunman’s door with explosives and found him shot dead.

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