Most people know what atrocity took place at the beginning of this week in America. Investigations and death tolls have been all over television, newspapers, and social media. On Sunday night, a gunman opened fire at the Route 91 Harvest Festival country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. During the performance of well-known country singer Jason Aldean, gunshots began and lasted for over ten minutes. The crowd of 22,000 was instantly overcome with fear. Policemen and citizens shielded loved-ones from the bullets coming from a high story of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Other officers aided in evacuating people out of the concert grounds. The scene was full of terror and panic, and families and the town of Las Vegas will be scarred from such tragedy for years to come. 

The man who committed the terrible crime was Stephen Paddock, who shot himself upon being caught by the police in his hotel room. Paddock had recently moved from Florida to a Nevada town close to Las Vegas. Paddock had no children from his past two failed marriages, and his own father was on the FBI’s Most Wanted List during his childhood. Paddock was an accountant before his retirement and he owned several properties. Paddock had been staying at Mandalay Bay for several days before the attack, and he was known to gamble one hundred dollar hands at the casino. Twenty-three firearms were found in his hotel room, leading investigators to believe his crime was carefully planned, along with the discovery of hidden cameras used to monitor the area surrounding his room. Paddock’s actions have caused immense pains for those directly affected by the attack and the hearts of all Americans.

The heavy rain of gunfire led to the deadliest shooting in modern history of the United States. Fifty-nine lives have been taken, and, with 500 injured, the death toll may continue to rise. Hotlines have been created for people to call for the purpose of identifying or contacting loved-ones who survived. Blood donations are greatly needed in this state of emergency. Anyone who is at least sixteen and eligible to donate should look into donating a pint to contribute to the survival of victims of the attack.

The tragic event has taken over the hearts and minds of Americans. The President held a moment of silence at the White House on Monday to honor the victims, and he has spoken about the event and Paddock. Celebrities have taken to social media to express their condolences through Tweets and Instagram posts. Country stars from the event include Chris Young, Jake Owen, and Jason Aldean, who all managed to escape safely. The event has also brought the debate over gun control back in full swing, but it is important to overlook differences at times like these. No matter what your opinion is on gun control, keep everyone affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas in your heart.