On October 1st 2017, tragedy struck Las Vegas as a gunman opened fire on the crowd at a Jason Aldean concert. This incident was said to be the deadliest mass shooting in the United States, leaving 58 people dead and 546 injured. In just 10 minutes, gunman Stephen Paddock, took away the lives of innocent people and affected the lives of many, including people all around the world.  

Paddock fired hundreds of bullets from his hotel room at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, which overlooked the concert. Paddock was said to have stayed in the hotel room for several days prior to the shooting and had raised no suspicions. Twenty-three firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, and numerous high-capacity magazines were found in the suite, which is definitely concerning to many. Soon after the firing ended, Paddock shot himself and was later found dead.

This incident has raised a concern about the gun laws in the U.S. and whether they should change or not.

“Taking off my police hat and going to me personally, I think that something needs to change. I’m not sure what that is but obviously something isn’t quite right if stuff like this keeps happening,” Said Officer John Lucey.

The experiences in Las Vegas have affected the nation and reminded people the risk and danger that can be anywhere.

“I feel like the shooting has opened up a lot of people’s eyes. Nobody really expects this to happen when they go to an event like a concert. It’s sad that now people are scared to go to big events. There are a lot of people like this in the world and I think the thought of that scares people,” said Paige Zukowski.

Emergency medical services have changed how they respond to mass attacks, now charging into areas and immediately helping the injured rather than standing back (washingtonpost). With a great number of people killed and even more injured everyone was trying to get help, but there was just not enough people to help those suffering at the time.

“The losses are felt by the whole country. Whether you’re a nurse, a doctor, anyone. I feel good that I know enough about how to respond in a situation like this. I’ve been a nurse for many years. I think I would put my experience and knowledge to good use to help in that situation, to help the injured and direct people on where the need to go, that type of thing,” said Mrs. Mary Goldsmith, school nurse.

When any event like this takes place it becomes a reality check to a lot of people that bad things do happen.

“As a police officer it goes to show that anything could happen at any moment and you have to be ready for it,” said Officer Lucey.

The shooting’s tragedy brought effects far beyond the city where it occurred.

“I’m trying to hold on to the safety of my small town and high school, and while I still feel safe in my community, I would be telling a lie if I said that the thought of these shootings doesn’t scare me. It is a worry in the back of my mind.” Said Anna Behringer.