Thursday, 19th September 2024

Las Vegas gunman kills himself after shooting dead 50

More than 400 have been injured in rampage

Monday, 2nd October 2017

©David Becker/Getty Images
Last updated: October 2, 2017 at 17:26 pm

Police say at least 50 people have been killed and more than 400 injured after a man opened fire at a country music festival in Las Vegas.

The massacre is the worst mass shooting in modern American history.

Gunman Stephen Paddock, 64, shot at music fans from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, diagonally across the street from the concert.

SWAT teams broke into the room and found him dead, said police.

Witnesses described chaos as people ran for their lives and tried to find cover as bullets rained down at the outdoor show, next to the city's iconic Strip.

wic news las vegas shooter 2 oct 1409

Concertgoers said they saw flashes from the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay as long bursts of gunfire rang out while Jason Aldean performed.

The massacre happened as more than 22,000 people attended the last day of the three-day Route 91 Harvest Festival.

Two off-duty police officers, including one from the Las Vegas department, are among the dozens of victims.

President Trump tweeted: "My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!"

Singer Jason Aldean - on stage when the shooting began - posted on Instagram: "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.