Mass shooting in Vegas puts strip on lockdown

rrific mass shooting on the Las Vegas strip has left many dead and hundreds wounded, as a result large parts of the Las Vegas Strip have been put into lockdown. The strip is currently sealed off to the public as emergency services continue to deal with the situation.

Reports are currently claiming that Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on festival goers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort. As of now 50 people have been declared dead and more than 200 are injured. This is the largest mass shooting in recent US history. The gunman later shot himself. A 62 year-old woman who was his roommate in a retirement home has also been arrested.

As per usual the strip was extremely busy on Sunday evening. To make matters worse the shooter opened fire on people who were gathered opposite the Mandalay for a Country Music festival on the South End of the strip. Over 40,000 people attended the Route 91 event that the shooter began firing on.

The Mandalay Bay which is owned by the MGM Resorts Group tweeted the following: ‘This evening there was a tragic active shooter situation at the South End of the Las Vegas Strip. Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded quickly to the incident and secured the scene. Law enforcement requested that we put hotels in the vicinity on lockdown to ensure guest safety. We will provide more information as it becomes available’.

Jim Murren, MGM's chairman and CEO, in a statement said: "Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of last night's shooting, their families, and those still fighting for their lives. We are working with law enforcement and will continue to do all we can to help all of those involved."