Tragedy in Vegas: What We Know About the Deadly Rampage

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Joseph Lombardo told reporters Monday that investigators believe the gunman in the worst mass shooting in American history killed himself before police stormed his room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Authorities identified that gunman as Stephen Paddock, who had been in the hotel since September 28. Police say he opened fire from the 32nd floor of the hotel on a crowd of 22,000 people attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival, a three-day country music event on the Las Vegas Strip.

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Lombardo said it could have been even worse if not for the quick action of police officers.

“Their actions and heroic acts were instrumental in saving several hundred lives associated with this event,” he said.

Here is what we know so far:

Casualties. More than 50 people died, and more than 400 have been injured. Some 406 victims have been taken to emergency rooms.

Was it terrorism? SITE Intel Group said the Islamic State terrorist organization, through its Amaq news agency, claimed responsibility for the shooting. But U.S. authorities have offered no confirmation.

CNN reported that investigators have ruled out ties to foreign terrorist organizations. Lombardo said police are still working to figure out what motivated Paddock.

“Well, we have to establish what his motivation is first,” he said. “And there’s motivating factors associated with terrorism other than a distraught person just intending to cause mass casualty. Before we label it with that, it will be a matter of process.”

What weapon did Paddock use? The New York Times reported that automatic gunfire interrupted the performance of singer Jason Aldean. If it is confirmed that Paddock used a fully automatic weapon, that would be significant. Those kinds of guns rarely are used in mass shootings in the United States because their possession is highly restricted by law.

Lombardo told reporters that police found more than 10 rifles when they entered Paddock’s room.

Seemingly Never-Ending Carnage. Jake Owen, a singer who was on the stage with Aldean, told CNN that it was like “shooting fish in a barrel” from his standpoint.

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“This is not an exaggeration: This shooting was going on for at least 10 minutes,” he added. “It was nonstop.”

What does Paddock’s family say? The shooter’s brother, Orlando, Florida, resident Eric Paddock, told the Orlando Sentinel that he had spoken to police. “We are completely dumbfounded,” he told the newspaper. “We can’t understand what happened.”

Paddock’s “companion.” Authorities said they believe they had located a woman named Marilou Danely, described as a “companion” of Paddock. Lombardo told reporters that she was not with him and that he was using her identification.

“We believe her at this time not to be involved,” he said. “But obviously that will be, that investigation will continue.”

Trump to speak. The White House said President Donald Trump would address the nation on Monday. He tweeted: “My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!”

Vice President Mike Pence also tweeted his condolences and praised the first responders.

“To victims, families & loved ones affected by this senseless violence in Las Vegas, Karen & I are praying for you & offering our love…” he wrote.

Reaction on the Left. Predictably, progressives did not wait for the facts or pause to honor the victims before rushing to condemn the National Rifle Association and call for gun control.

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“I welcome #thoughtsandprayers of our elected officials, but they can’t just think and pray. The [sic] *must* work to reduce gun violence in U.S.,” tweeted Igor Volsky, deputy director of the Center for American Progress and director of Guns Down America.

Scott Dworkin, co-founder of the Democratic Coalition, tweeted: “#ThoughtsAndPrayers won’t stop people from committing terrorist attacks like this. Sadly, Trump & Republicans will do absolutely nothing.”

Author Melissa Anelli tweeted: “Last time I checked, the purpose of thought and prayer was to lead you to valuable action. #thoughtsandprayers alone were never enough.”