Las Vegas Metropolitan police have confirmed that at least 20 people have been killed and 100 injured at the Route 91 Harvest Festival on the Las Vegas strip. The LVMPD have “neutralised” the assailant who was shooting from the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.
Billboard reports that an “active shooter” situation occurred when shots rang out at 10.08pm local time on Sunday night (October 1). According to eyewitness accounts, hundreds of rounds were fired from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel.
The shooting occurred during a set by country singer Jason Aldean who was uninjured during the attack. Authorities closed down part of the strip and Interstate 15 as they sought the shooter, who was reportedly firing from a balcony at the hotel and aiming at those attending the Route 91 country music festival nearby.
It was around 11.25pm local time that police said that they had a suspect down on the 32nd floor at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. They also confirmed that the assailant was local. Just over half an hour later, they said via Twitter: "Confirming that one suspect is down. This is an active investigation. Again, please do not head down to the Strip at this time."
Confirming that one suspect is down. This is an active investigation. Again, please do not head down to the Strip at this time.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
LVMPD also confirmed that they are now hunting the shooter’s female accomplice. She has been named as Marilou Danley. They said: “Marilou Danley is being sought for questioning re the investigation into the active shooter incident. If seen please call 9-1-1!”
Marilou Danley is being sought for questioning re the investigation into the active shooter incident. If seen please call 9-1-1! pic.twitter.com/Z83XvcHejH
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
Among the artists playing the Route 91 festival on Sunday night were Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, Luke Combs, Dylan Scott and Big & Rich. The Route 91 Harvest Festival began in 2014 as a co-production between Live Nation and MGM Resorts International. Among the acts who have played the outdoor festival before are Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Florida Georgia Line.
