Las Vegas shooting suspect believed to be local resident as police search for Marilou Danley
Police hunt underway for female companion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Update: police have identified the gunman as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock
The gunman who opened fire at a music festival next to Mandalay Bay casino in Las Vegas was a local man, police have said.
They said they knew the identity of the suspect, who they shot dead, but would not yet name him.
According to unverified reports by NBC news, the suspect was 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, of Mesquite, Nevada.
At least 50 were killed and more than 200 injured at the country music event.
A police hunt was underway for a 62-year-old female companion of the shooter called Marilou Danley, who officials said lived with him.
They said she was around 4"11 (125cm), weighed 111 pounds (50kg) and was of Asian appearance.
Yet Sheriff Joseph Lombardo told a news conference the shooter was a "lone wolf type".
"Right now we believe he is the sole aggressor at this point and the scene is static," he said.
Authorities do not believe the gunman was connected to any militant groups and the motives of the shooter are unknown.
The suspect was believed to have been shooting down at crowds of concert-goers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel.
Witnesses described seeing flashes of light high up in the tower.
A Swot team used a controlled explosion to enter the hotel room, where the shot the suspect dead.
Police were also looking for two vehicles in connection with the incident.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments