Washington D.C. [U.S.A.], October 3 : United States President Donald Trump, in his brief address, after a gunman went on a shooting spree, which left around 58 died and more than 500 others injured at a Las Vegas musical concert in U.S., expressed grief over the killing of innocent citizens.
Trump said he would be visiting Las Vegas on Wednesday to meet with the law enforcement, the first responders, and the families of the victims.
Trump further condemned the attack as an "act of pure evil". "My fellow Americans, we are joined together today in sadness, shock, and grief. Last night, a gunman opened fire on a large crowd at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. He brutally murdered more than 50 people, and wounded hundreds more. It was an act of pure evil," Trump said in a statement at the White House. However, he refrained himself from talking about the suspect or a possible motive for the shooting. "The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are working closely with the local authorities to assist with the investigation, and they will provide updates as to the investigation and how it develops," Trump added.
He thanked the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for their quick action.
"I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for their courageous efforts, and for helping to save the lives of so many.
The speed with which they acted is miraculous, and prevented further loss of life. To have found the shooter so quickly after the first shots were fired is something for which we will always be thankful and grateful.
It shows what true professionalism is all about," Trump said. Trump also ordered flags to be hoisted at half-staff at all federal buildings and military installations until sunset on Friday.
He said the country must remain unified in the face of such shocking violence. "In memory of the fallen, I have directed that our great flag be flown at half-staff," he said. "In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one -- and it always has. We call upon the bonds that unite us -- our faith, our family, and our shared values. We call upon the bonds of citizenship, the ties of community, and the comfort of our common humanity," Trump added.
Trump spoke just hours after the deadly attack, which took place at a country music festival opposite the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Resort on the Las Vegas Strip at the Jason Aldean concert.
He concluded his address by saying he and the First Lady, Melania Trump, were praying for the victims and for the unity and peace of the country.
"Melania and I are praying for every American who has been hurt, wounded, or lost the ones they love so dearly in this terrible, terrible attack.
We pray for the entire nation to find unity and peace. And we pray for the day when evil is banished, and the innocent are safe from hatred and from fear," Trump concluded.
Former U.S. president Barack Obama also dubbed the massacre as a 'senseless tragedy.' The former U.S. President, in a tweet. said, "Michelle (and) I are praying for the victims in Las Vegas. Our thoughts are with their families (and) everyone enduring another senseless tragedy.".
Source: ANI
