Authorities release new details on Las Vegas mass shooting02 Las Vegas Memorial 2017 Billboard 1548

Authorities release new details on Las Vegas mass shooting

Four months after the deadliest mass shooting in US history, investigators are still working to piece together the unthinkable acts of Stephen Paddock, who opened fire on a crowd of concertgoers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, killing 58 and wounding more than 700.

In a comprehensive 81-page report, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police compiled chronological accounts of the October rampage detailing the gunman’s every move in the two weeks leading up to the acts of terror.

“I am going against normal protocols,” Sheriff Josef Lombardo of the LVMP said, adding that he hoped the preliminary report would “quell the zest for information.” Lombardo went on to state that investigators had reviewed more than 2,000 leads and 21,000 hours of video. While it has been determined that the shooter acted alone, still no answer has been uncovered as to Paddock’s motive.

Here are some of the police report’s key findings:

  • Paddock’s primary care physician said he was “odd” and showed “little emotion.” While he believed Mr. Paddock may have had bipolar disorder, Mr. Paddock refused to take antidepressants, though he did accept anti-anxiety medication.
  • Paddock’s computer searches suggested he scouted other targets, including Life Is Beautiful and Lollapalooza. Google searches included, “summer concerts 2017,” “biggest open air concert venues in USA,” “ballistics chart 308,” and “SWAT Las Vegas.”
  • He began planning the attack in May of last year, making extensive, detailed preparations.
  • Paddock bought more than 55 firearms in the year before the attack, mostly assault rifles, and more than 100 firearm-related items such as scopes, ammunition and bump stocks.
  • Paddock had no criminal record and no contact with law enforcement prior to the attacks. Investigators found no suicide note or manifesto.
  • There is “no evidence of radicalization or ideology to support any theory that Paddock supported or followed any hate groups or domestic or foreign terrorist organizations.”
  • Forensic analysts found “several hundred images of child pornography” on Paddock’s computer hard drive.
  • Paddock’s significant other, Ms. Danley, told investigators that he became “distant” and “their relationship was no longer intimate.” During their September stay at the Mandalay Bay, Ms. Danley said he behaved strangely, and constantly looked out the windows of the room at the concert venue below from different angles.

H/T: YourEDM | Source: New York Times

Photo cred: Salwan Georges/The Washington Post via Getty Images

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