Politics & Government
Las Vegas Mass Shooting: 'Time For Change,' Says Virginia Governor
After a shooter killed at least 50 in Las Vegas, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe said it is "time for change."
RICHMOND, VA — After the shooting in Las Vegas killed at least 50 people, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe offered condolences to the victims and families in the worst shooting in modern history.
"Dorothy and I are heartbroken by the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas. We pray for those involved but that is not enough. Time for change," McAuliffe said via Twitter Monday morning.
The shooting left more than 50 dead and 400 injured after a man fired upon those gathered for a country music festival after 10 p.m. on Sunday. Country star Jason Aldean was on stage and had been performing for about 20 minutes when shots rang out at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival. The incident has already passed last year's Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando that saw 49 people killed and 58 injured.
Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Trump: Las Vegas Shooting An 'Act Of Pure Evil'
The barrage lasted for about 30 seconds, and then there was a pause before the shot started again. Police believe the shots came from a room on the 32nd floor at the Mandalay Bay, which overlooked the music festival.
Find out what's happening in McLeanfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Stephen Paddock, 64, of Mesquite, Nevada, was identified as the shooter and killed himself before officers entered his hotel room, according to Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo. He had no previous run-ins with law enforcement other than traffic violations, Lombardo said.
SIGN UP: Subscribe to a Virginia Patch News Alert and Newsletter. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.
President Trump addressed the nation just before 11 a.m. ET on Monday. The gunman "brutally murdered more than 50 people and wounded hundreds of others," Trump said. "It was an act of pure evil."
SEE ALSO:
- Las Vegas Mass Shooting: At Least 50 Dead, 400 Injured In Worst Shooting In U.S. History, Says Sheriff
- Las Vegas Mass Shooting Worst In U.S. History: Timeline
- Las Vegas Shooting: Raw Videos Capture Moments As Carnage Unfolded
- Las Vegas Shooting: Where To Donate Blood, Information For Families
Other Virginia officials and candidates for governor responded in the wake of the tragedy:
Impossible to comprehend the news out of Las Vegas. So many lives lost in a senseless act and so many families changed forever.
— Mark Herring (@MarkHerringVA) October 2, 2017
Terrible gun massacre in Las Vegas. Once again a nation mourns and Congress will observe a moment of silence.
— Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) October 2, 2017
I am heartbroken by the mass murder that took place last night in Las Vegas and I am praying for the victims, families, and first responders. The heroic actions taken by the SWAT team and many off duty police, no doubt saved many lives. To locate loved ones call 1-866-535-5654.
— Barbara Comstock (@RepComstock) October 2, 2017
We cannot and must not allow our only action in response to this tragedy be the lowering of our flags to half-staff. That isn't good enough. https://t.co/v8EymNvhgT
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) October 2, 2017
Heartbreaking news out of Las Vegas this morning. Cathy and I are praying for victims and all those affected by this act of evil.
— Ed Gillespie (@EdWGillespie) October 2, 2017
Pam and I are praying for everyone involved in last night’s mass shooting in Las Vegas. Make no mistake: This is terrorism. We have got to do more to prevent events like this moving forward. I’m tired of waking up to horrific news like this, and I’m sure you are, too.
— Ralph Northam (@RalphNortham) October 2, 2017
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Capt. Mark Kelly, who run a gun control group called Americans for Responsible Solutions, were set to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam in Northern Virginia, but they cancelled in light of the Las Vegas shooting.
Families and friends of loved ones seeking information can call this number provided by authorities: 1-866-535-5654.
Image by Steve Helber/Associated Press
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
