Las Vegas shooting Update: Killer’s motive a mystery after 58 die in worst ever US shooting

The shooter was identified as Stephen Craig Paddock, 64, and authorities said he had no criminal record and police had no prior knowledge of him.

 

He opened fire on a crowd of more than 22,000 concert-goers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel, across the road from the festival venue.

 

 

He died soon afterwards of a suspected self-inflicted wound when officers blasted open the door of his room, Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo said.

 

 

Trump ordered flags to fly at half mast and held a moment of silence alongside Vice President Mike Pence and their wives outside the White House.

 

 

He will fly to Las Vegas on Wednesday to “grieve with the friends and family of the victims, to offer his support to those recovering from their wounds and to thank the courageous first responders,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

 

 

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, called for stricter gun control measures, but Sanders said it was not an appropriate time for political debate.

 

 

“Now is the time to unite as a country. Today is a day for consoling the survivors, and mourning those we lost.”

 

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “shocked and alarmed” by the shooting.

 

Paddock, a white male, was a resident of Mesquite, Nevada, about 140 kilometres north-east of Las Vegas.

 

 

His brother Eric Paddock said on CNN that his brother had “absolutely” had no mental problems or political motives that the family was aware of.

 

 

Aldean wrote on social media that he and his band and crew were safe. He called the night “beyond horrific” and offered condolences.