The Las Vegas Shooter identified as Stephen Paddock killed 58 people and injured more than 500 in what has become the worst mass shooting in US history.
He had 23 rifles with him in his hotel room at the Mandalay Bay Casino and a further 19 guns and explosives at his home in Mesquite.
Police said that Paddock also had several thousands rounds of ammunition.
The firearms found in Paddock’s hotel room had scopes, while two were reportedly modified to make them fully automatic.
Everything we know about the Las Vegas shooting
At least 58 people were killed and 523 wounded in the Las Vegas massacre.
Paddock, 64, fired bullets into crowds enjoying the Route 91 Harvest Festival from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas strip.
Paddock fired out of his window for at least 10 minutes.
He turned the gun on himself before officers were able to break into his room, number 135, in the gold glass skyscraper. He had checked in on Thursday.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, though presented no evidence of a connection with the 64-year-old retired accountant and property developer.
Investigators say they currently do not have information which links Paddock to more assailants.
The Las Vegas massacre is the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history, after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando on June 12 last year.
US authorities described him as a ‘lone wolf’.
Las Vegas, congressman Ruben Kihuen said: ‘Literally, every single bed was being used, every single hallway was being used. Every single person there was trying to save a life.’
Two gun store owners have said Paddock purchased firearms from their stores.
Over the last year, the 64-year-old bought two handguns and a rifle from Guns & Guitars in Mesquite.
Police discovered that Paddock’s girlfriend, Marilou Danley was out of the country at the time of the massacre and said she was not believed to have been involved.
What we know about Stephen Paddock?
- The gunman’s father was a bank robber who the FBI once described as a ‘psychopathic’ person who may have ‘suicidal tendencies’.
- His brother Eric said the 64-year-old became a multi-millionaire real estate investor after retiring as an accountant.
- Paddock lived in a two-bedroom house in the retirement desert community of Mesquite which is close to Nevada’s border with Arizona.
- He owned a second home near Reno, another Nevada city famous for its casinos.
- Eric Paddock described his brother as a heavy gambler with ‘no religious affiliation, no political affiliation’ who was ‘not an avid gun guy at all’.
- Police found several pounds of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used to make explosives, in the 64-year-old’s car.
Here are all of the victims who have been named so far.
Sonny Melton, 29, of Tennessee
He worked as a nurse at Henry County Medical Center where his wife, Heather Gulish Melton, works as an Orthopedic Surgeon.
She told Fox 17 News: ‘At this point, I’m in complete disbelief and despair. I don’t know what to say. Sonny was the most kind-hearted, loving man I have ever met. He saved my life and lost his.’
Thomas Gee, CEO at Henry County Medical Center, said: ‘The thoughts and prayers of the entire HCMC family are with Sonny and Heather’s families.
‘We ask that all staff, friends, and patients of the couple respect their privacy at this time and refrain from contacting the family and the HCMC Kelley Clinic if they do not have a reason to do so.’
Jordan McIldoon, 23, of Canada
Quinton Robbins, 20, of Nevada
His aunt, Kilee Wells Sanders, said: ‘Everyone who met him, loved him. His contagious laugh and smile. He was truly an amazing person. He will be missed by so many, he is loved by so many.’
Jessica Klymchuk, of Alberta
The mom-of-four was visiting Vegas with her partner.
Superintendent Betty Turpin, of the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, said: ‘It is with shock and sadness that we confirm the loss of a Holy Family Catholic Regional Division staff member.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, as well as all the families affected by this unimaginable attack.’
Adrian Murfitt, 35, of Alaska
The commercial fisherman was attending the concert with his best friend when he was struck by a bullet.
‘We were taking a picture and it went through his neck,’ said Brian MacKinnon. ‘There’s a lot of amazing people — there was nurses, doctors, firemen. Everybody who was at that concert really jumped on it, did everything they could. We just couldn’t save him.’
Lisa Romero, of New Mexico
Lisa was a secretary at Miyamura High School, where she was loved by students and staff, say close friends.
Jenny Parks, of California
Denise Salmon Burditus, 50
Denise was in Las Vegas with her husband Tony. She reportedly died in his arms.
Susan Smith, of California
Susan worked at Simi Valley, California school district.
Under a Facebook tribute, Suzie Kelly Schultze wrote: ‘I loved working closely with this sweet lady during my days of volunteering/coaching Jr. Olympics at Vista. She kept everything running smoothly & the kids loved her. Her sense of humor made me like her even more. She will be dearly missed & I feel honored to have known her. Prayers and love to her family.’
Bailey Schweitzer, 20, of California
Rhonda LeRocque, of Massachusetts
Rhonda was watching the concert with her husband, six-year-old daughter and father-in-law. Friends say ‘she was as close to perfection as possible’.
Dana Gardner, of California
Dana was a veteran worker at the San Bernardino County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk’s office.
Officials at her place of work said they were being comforted by crisis counselors.
John Phippen, of California
John was at the concert with his son, a medic.
Angela Gomez, of California
A GoFundMe page has been launched for Angela, where more than $30,000 has already been raised.
Part of it reads: ‘It is with deepest sadness and absolute shock that we mourn the loss of Poly Cheer Alumni, Angela Gomez.
‘Angie was a member of the Class of 2015. She was a cheerful young lady with a warm heart and loving spirit. Angie’s life was cut short when she succumbed to injuries sustained in the Las Vegas Route 91 shooting.’
Carrie Barnette, of California
Tributes have poured in for Carrie on her Facebook page.
One of her friends posted a message in the immediate aftermath of the shooting saying she was concerned because she couldn’t get hold of her.
Sandy Casey, 35, Vermont
Sandy graduated from the College of St. Joseph in Rutland in 2004. The college’s alumni association has paid tribute to her on Facebook.
Rachael Parker, 33, of California
Rachael was a technician for Manhattan Beach Police Department for ten years.
She was taken to a Las Vegas hospital but later died.
Charleston Hartfield, 34, of California
Charleston, known as Charles or Chucky, was a military veteran. The off-duty Las Vegas police officer had posted a photo of himself at the festival before he was killed.
Close friend Troy Rhett said: ‘I don’t know a better man than Charles. They say it’s always the good ones we lose early. There’s no truer statement than that with Charles.’
Neysa Tonks, of Utah
Neysa leaves behind three children.
Her company, Technologent, has launched a GoFundMe page for her.
Part of it reads: ‘Technologent lost one of our own, a great mother, colleague and friend, Neysa Tonks. She leaves behind three boys – Kaden, Braxton and Greysen. Neysa has brought so much joy, fun and laughter to Technologent – she will be greatly missed by all!’
Jennifer Irvine, 42, California
Jennifer was a San Diego attorney. One of her close friends wrote on Facebook that ‘she was holding hands with her girlfriends singing and dancing to country music when she was shot in the head’.
Hannah Ahlers, 35, California
Hannah’s friend Sunni described her as one of the most ‘beautiful’ women he had ever seen ‘with a heart to match.’
The mother-of-three is survived by her husband of 16 years Brian and their three children.
Carrie Barnette, 34, California
Carrie was out celebrating her friend’s 30th birthday when she was shot in the chest.
Her mother, Mavis, was told the news last on Sunday night by her daughter’s friend and although her death has not been officially confirmed she is convinced she has passed away.
Denise Burditus, 50, West Virginia
Grandmother Denise Burditus died in the arms of her husband of 32 years, Tony.
The pair had posted a picture from the Route 91 Harvest Festival not long before shooting broke out.
The mother-of-two described herself as semi-retired on Facebook and was a Seattle Seahawks fan.
Thomas Day Jr, 54, Riverside
Thomas Day Jr. was at the concert with his four children – all in their 20s and 30s – when he was shot dead.
His father Thomas Day Sr. confirmed his death and is now mourning with his grandchildren who he said are ‘crushed’.
Rachael Parker, 33, California
Rachael was a records officer for Manhattan Beach Police Department and had been at the concert with three other colleagues.
Two of the group were shot. Rachael fatally while the other officers suffered minor injuries.
Neysa Tonks, Las Vegas
Mother-of-three Neysa was from Las Vegas but worked in Irvine, California, at a technology company called Technologent.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise money for her three sons has raised almost $100,000.
Melissa Ramirez, 28, California
Melissa was a graduate of California State University at Bakersfield.
Her family drove to Las Vegas from California when they couldn’t get hold of her before being told by a friend at the concert that she had died.
Christopher Roybal, 28, California
The former Navy veteran, who served in Afghanistan, left a fateful final Facebook post explaining what it was like to be shot, three months before the Las Vegas shooting.
His post has since been shared and commented on by many angry that a former serviceman should lose his life in such a senseless way.
His mother, Gabby, was in a different part of the concert when the shooting took place.
Michael Anderson, Las Vegas
Michael Anderson leaves behind his son and girlfriend, Bianca Acosta, who survived the attack.
In a Facebook post paying tribute to him she said he was everything a ‘woman could want or need in a man.’
She added: ‘There’s no amount of time that’ll surpass my love and hurt for Michael. He was our whole world. And now I simply don’t know how to go on without him.’
Dorene Anderson, 49, Alaska
Dorene was visiting Las Vegas with her husband and two daughters when she was killed.
Her husband, John, confirmed her death to his company, the Alaska Housing Finance Corp.
Austin Davis, 29, California
Austin Davis was initially named amongst the missing by his girlfriend, who later confirmed the pipe fitter had died and that she ‘had lost an amazing man’.
Kurt Von Tillow, 55, California
Kurt Von Tillow was shot alongside his niece and sister, who were both injured in the attack.
The keen golfer was with his wife Mary Jo when he was shot. A golf cart procession was held at Cameron Park Country Club to remember him.
Jack Beaton, California
Jack Beaton was celebrating his 23rd wedding anniversary and used his body to shield his wife, Laura, from gunfire.
His father, Jerry Cook, told Bakersfield Now: ‘He put Laurie on the ground and covered her with his body and he got shot I don’t know how many times.
‘Laurie was saying he was bleeding through the mouth, bleeding profusely, she knew he was dying. He told her he loved her. Laurie could tell he was slipping. She told him she loved him and she would see him in heaven.’
Victor Link, 52, California
The loan processor from San Clemente loved music and was often at concerts with his fiancee, Lynn Gonzales.
Hi son, Christian, wrote on Facebook: ‘I just want to tell you how much I love you and I’m going to do all the things that we talked about but this time I’m actually going to do it! I love you Dad I’m so sorry you had to go.’
Brennan Stewart, 30, Las Vegas
Brennan Stewart was at the concert with friend Gia Capri Iantuono when the pair became separated during the gunfire.
She was dragged to safety by a man who hid her under a table after she dislocated her knee and later discovered he was dead.
Cameron Robinson, 28, Utah
Source: Metro UK
