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More than 50 killed in Las Vegas country music festival shooting

By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 2 October 2017

Over 50 people are dead and more than 200 wounded following a shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival in Las Vegas. The man suspected of firing on the audience has been killed.

Shooting began as final night headliner Jason Aldean began his performance at the Mandalay Bay casino. As crowds attempted to find safety, there were reports of multiple shooters. However, police have said that they now believe one man to be responsible.

Police said that they ‘engaged’ a man – now named as Stephen Paddock – on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel in a confrontation which left him dead. They are also seeking a woman, named as Marilou Danley, in relation to the incident.

The three day outdoor festival began on Friday, with performances from country stars including Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Maren Morris and Lauren Alaina.

In a post on Instagram, Aldean said: “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. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight. It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night”.

Flights from the nearby McCarran International Airport were halted during the incident, with limited activity now resumed.