President Trump on Monday condemned the mass shooting in Las Vegas as an “act of pure evil” and announced he would visit the grief-stricken city.
“We join together in sadness, shock and grief,” Trump said at the White House. “It was an act of pure evil.”
Trump said he would travel to Las Vegas Wednesday to meet with first responders and victims's families.
The president spoke just hours after the shooting at a country music festival left at least 58 people dead and more than 500 injured. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Trump thanked first responders and police for reacting so quickly, crediting them with saving many lives. He also offered words of comfort to families of victims, telling them, “we are here for you and we are praying for you.”
The president ordered flags to fly at half-staff at all federal buildings and military installations until sunset Friday. He said the country must remain unified in the face of such shocking violence.
“Our unity cannot be shattered by evil, our bonds cannot be broken by violence and though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines us today and always will forever," Trump said.
In measured remarks, Trump did not speak about the suspect or a possible motive for the shooting.
He said the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are working closely with local authorities to assist with the investigation and will provide updates.
The Sunday night shooting sent Trump scrambling to respond. The White House added the remarks to his schedule Monday morning and scrapped his appearance at a planned event on regulation.
The president was briefed earlier in the day by aides.
Trump first responded on Twitter early Monday, offering his “warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting.”
The alleged gunman, Stephen Paddock, opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, which is next to the concert site. The 64-year-old Paddock was found dead in a hotel room, police said.
Authorities have not yet announced a motive.
Read More: Other related world news
“We join together in sadness, shock and grief,” Trump said at the White House. “It was an act of pure evil.”
Trump said he would travel to Las Vegas Wednesday to meet with first responders and victims's families.
The president spoke just hours after the shooting at a country music festival left at least 58 people dead and more than 500 injured. It was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.
Trump thanked first responders and police for reacting so quickly, crediting them with saving many lives. He also offered words of comfort to families of victims, telling them, “we are here for you and we are praying for you.”
The president ordered flags to fly at half-staff at all federal buildings and military installations until sunset Friday. He said the country must remain unified in the face of such shocking violence.
“Our unity cannot be shattered by evil, our bonds cannot be broken by violence and though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines us today and always will forever," Trump said.
In measured remarks, Trump did not speak about the suspect or a possible motive for the shooting.
He said the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are working closely with local authorities to assist with the investigation and will provide updates.
The Sunday night shooting sent Trump scrambling to respond. The White House added the remarks to his schedule Monday morning and scrapped his appearance at a planned event on regulation.
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| President Trump at the White House on Monday |
Trump first responded on Twitter early Monday, offering his “warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting.”
The alleged gunman, Stephen Paddock, opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, which is next to the concert site. The 64-year-old Paddock was found dead in a hotel room, police said.
Authorities have not yet announced a motive.
Read More: Other related world news
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