Stephen Paddock, the man suspected of killing 59 people and injuring 527 when he shot into a crowd in Las Vegas on Sunday night, does not have ties to any international terrorist groups, authorities said.
“As this event unfolds, we have determined to this point no connection to an international terrorist group,” Special Agent in Charge Aaron Rouse, of the FBI, said on Monday. “As this investigation continues, we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that this is factually, thoroughly, and absolutely investigated to be able to bring comfort and peace back to this community.”
FBI special agent on Vegas shooting: So far there is “no connection with an international terrorist group” https://t.co/zAygQdHOEy pic.twitter.com/MpgxEIr1Jp
— This Week (@ThisWeekABC) October 2, 2017
The determination by law enforcement officials runs contrary to the unsubstantiated claim of responsibility for the attack by the so-called Islamic State. The Associated Press first reported the Islamic State’s claim.
The extremist group claimed a “soldier” had carried out the attack, however the Islamic State has been known to exaggerate or falsify claims of responsibility in the past.
No motive has been released for Paddock’s attack, which left 59 people killed and 527 people injured on Sunday night. Paddock allegedly opened fire from a Mandalay Bay hotel room, shooting into a crowd of people attending the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival concert in Las Vegas.
President Donald Trump called the attack “pure evil” during a short statement on Monday morning.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated to reflect the latest death toll in the Las Vegas shooting.
