Montgomery County Police Chief Comments On Las Vegas Shooting

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger says Sunday's Las Vegas shootings — where at least 58 people were killed and more than 500 others were injured in the deadliest mass shooting in United States history — shows the difficulty in preventing attacks. Manger, who also serves as president of the Major Cities Chiefs' Association, said Monday that the casualties inflicted by shooter Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada, are a challenge to prevent.

Paddock was armed with more than a half-dozen firearms – some of them high-powered automatic weapons – when he opened fire Sunday night from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino at a crowd gathered for a music festival. In the span of about two minutes, he killed dozens. Then, as police closed in on him, the gunman killed himself, officials said. At the concert venue outside the hotel, complete mayhem unfolded, as concertgoers panicked and fled for safety as bullets tore through the crowd.

President Trump called the shooting "an act of pure evil" in a morning address to the nation. He commended the Las Vegas police for being able to find and stop the shooter quickly, calling the work of first responders "miraculous."

SEE ALSO: Las Vegas Shooting: At Least 58 Dead, More Than 500 Injured In Worst Mass Shooting In U.S. History

Manger said in a statement on behalf of the national organization:

"America has just witnessed the worst mass shooting in our history in Las Vegas. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of victims of this terrible tragedy. Sheriff Joe Lombardo and the Las Vegas Metro PD have responded with great skill and professionalism. They have worked tirelessly since 9/11 to prepare for and prevent terrorist acts against their community. This shooting and others we have experienced over the years underscores the enormous challenge law enforcement faces in the effort to prevent these shocking events. It also reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in terrorism prevention and response initiatives."

Photo of Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger used with permission of Montgomery Community Media