SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 2, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — President Donald Trump has issued a directive to lower flags to half-staff at all federal facilities in honor of the victims of the mass shooting in Las Vegas Sunday.
In accordance with this directive, Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert has ordered the flags of the United States of America and the state of Utah to be flown at half-staff at all facilities, according to a news release from the office of the governor.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly flags at half-staff until sunset on Oct. 6.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also released a statement addressing the incident.
“To all of those affected by the horrific events in Las Vegas, we offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers,” spokesman Eric Hawkins said. “We pray for those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, and for those who are seeking to recover from the physical and emotional wounds they are suffering. May God bless them with the peace and comfort only He can provide in such tragic and heartbreaking moments.”
Police in Las Vegas say at least 58 people are dead and more than 515 others wounded after the mass shooting at a concert venue outside the Mandalay Bay Resort.
According to Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, the shooting took place at 10:08 p.m. Sunday when a lone gunman, identified as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, opened fire from a 32nd floor window on a crowd estimated at 30,000 people attending a concert headlined by Jason Aldean.
While concert-goers scrambled for cover, SWAT officers entered the resort and made their way to the 32nd floor where they used an explosive charge to breach the suspect’s hotel room door.
Lombardo said that his officers found Paddock dead inside, with an “arsenal” of 10 firearms. Lombardo said that Paddock, who is from Mesquite, shot himself.
At least two off-duty police officers were wounded while attending the concert. One of those officers died from his injuries.
