Sunday, October 1, Stephen Paddock, 64-year-old male from Nevada, opened fire onto a crowded music venue during a performance by country artist Jason Aldean. The singer was there performing during The Route 91 Harvest Festival at Mandalay Bay on the area of the Las Vegas Strip. Police say that Paddock fired fully automatic firearms from the 32nd floor or the hotel nearest to the venue. It took several seconds before the crowd realized what was happening.

At first, the gunfire was thought to be misfiring pyrotechnics. Audience members took off running and Aldean and his band were ushered off stage as more rounds were fired. Survivors described the exits as being blocked and hard to escape, which led to a sharper fatality rate. After firing into a crowd of nearly 22,000 people, the scene was horrific.

At the time this article is written, 59 people have died and 515 people are hospitalized with injuries. Many of the victims have been transferred to hospitals in and out of the area to receive treatment and blood is still being collected to help the injured.

The most heartfelt condolences go out to all families affected by this senseless tragedy. We will bring you more information as it becomes available.