Hollywood Reacts To October 1, 2017 Las Vegas Shooting

Today in Tha Wire, it's a sad day in America. My deepest, and most heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those who died in the tragic shooting in Las Vegas last night (Sunday, October 1, 2017). Like everyone else, I'm struggling to understand why this keeps happening.

ABC New reports 64-year old Stephen Paddock, of Mesquite, Arizona is the lone gunman who opened fired on a crowd of innocent concert goers Sunday night. The motive is still unknown. Authorities are still trying to piece the details of the tragic incident together, but as it stands now, Paddock murdered more 50 people and wounded another 400. The victims were standing outside, attending the Strip Route 91 Harvest Music Festival.

Authorities said Paddock checked into Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Thursday, September 28, 2017. Sunday, around 10pm PST, he busted a window out from his hotel room, which was reportedly located on the 32nd floor. CNN reports he basically took aim at the crowd below, and began shooting. Hundreds of rounds rained down from his hotel room, sending concert goers running for their lives, with no idea where the shots were coming from. Sadly, Paddock killed roughly 50 people, and wounded 400 more.

Police ultimately kicked his room door down. Upon entering, they found Paddock dead. In a statement, Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said that it appeared he killed himself. Among the evidence in the room, outside of the murder weapon, was ammo, 10 rifles, and the ID of 62-year-old Marilou Danley. Lombardo stated she was a lady friend of the suspect, but they don't believe she was involved in the deadly shooting. Authorities located Danley in the Philippines, so she wasn't even in the country at the time. They are also saying they believe Paddock was using her ID the majority of his time in Vegas.

So far, police don't have much to go on as far Paddock's motive for the shooting, saying there's no "derogatory information" available on him . He reportedly had a private pilot's license, though. A spokeswoman for the FAA, Laura Brown, stated they are cooperating with the investigation, and are turning over any records they have on Paddock.

According to CNN, Mesquite police spokesman, Quinn Averett, said they don't know how long the suspect lived in the area. A search of Paddock's house turned up additional weapons and ammo, but that's all Averett was willing to disclose. What Averett did say was, "What's unique for us is the gunman, the shooter, and the person with him, we in the Mesquite Police Department have not had any contact with these people in the past. We haven't had any traffic stops, any law enforcement contact, no arrests or nothing."

Police wound up locating the gunman's brother, Eric Paddock, who said he was completely blindsided when he found out his brother was behind the shooting. He told CNN, "He was my brother and it's like an asteroid fell out of the sky." Eric stated the last time he talked to Stephen was by text, in regard to how their mother was doing with no electricity during Hurricane Irma.

Authorities learned a little more about Stephen's personal life. According to his brother, Paddock was married, but separated and going through a divorce. He shared a home in Mesquite with Marilou, as well. Eric said, "She’s a nice lady, I’ve met her three or four times. She’s got a Facebook page, she sends my mom cookies."

The investigation is ongoing. Once again, we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who lost a loved one.