In January of 2018, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) released its preliminary report on the shooting that occurred in October 2017 at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas. The report clearly and concisely lays out the events leading up to the shooting, the shooting itself and the subsequent investigation. A full copy of the preliminary report can be found here.
Three findings stand out. First, there was nothing remarkable about the shooter, Stephen Paddock, which would signal he would perpetrate a mass shooting. Described as “odd,” “distant,” having “little emotion,” germphobic and a loner, the report concludes, “Paddock lived a seemingly normal life.” At age 64, Paddock is older than the typical mass shooter.
Second, investigators were unable to uncover any clear indication of Paddock’s motivations. There was no evidence of radicalization or ideology that would suggest he was a member of, followed or supported any terrorist organization or hate group. He did not leave a manifesto or note explaining his actions. Paddock had no criminal record. Although a heavy gambler, contrary to early media reports, Paddock did not have gambling debts or financial problems.
Third, is the length of time from when the shooting began to when LVMPD secured the scene. According to the report, the shooting itself lasted for approximately 11 minutes, from 2205 to 2216 hours. In that period of time 58 people were killed and over 700 injured. Entry into Paddock’s room occurred at approximately 2320 hours and the scene secured at 2326 hours. It was an hour and 10 minutes from the time the shooting began until the event ended.
The report leads to at least three observations:
- individuals such as Paddock may not exhibit clear signs that they are contemplating engaging in a mass shooting;
- there may be no clear, concise motivations or explanations as to why the individual perpetrated the shooting; and
- given the chaos surrounding an event the time between an event beginning and being brought under control may be considerable.
Perhaps the last observation is the most important in terms of survival. Individuals should be familiar with the steps that they can take to mitigate the risk of injury and if an injury does occur should be able, prepared and confident to act. Despite the best efforts of law enforcement and first responders there may be significant time between when an injury occurs and professional help arrives. In the event of a serious bleed that can be controlled, failure to act before first responders arrive may be the difference between surviving and not surviving.