According to the Gun Violence Archive (opens in new tab), Sunday night was the 273rd mass shooting in 2017. There have been 11,572 gun deaths on U.S. soil in nine months. There have been 23,365 injuries. Most of these barely register as news. They are just the quiet drumbeat of human misery that make up the gun violence epidemic in America. But the scenes of horror out of Las Vegas, Nevada (opens in new tab) on Sunday night have attracted our momentary attention. In what appears to be (opens in new tab) the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, a gunman opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, in the heart of the Las Vegas strip, raining bullets on a crowd of country music concertgoers. In the space of a few minutes, more than 50 were dead and over 400 were injured. Some are still fighting for their lives in local hospitals.
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As the city of Las Vegas grapples with the devastation, public officials have begun to weigh in with their condolences and words of support. Yes, it is time for "thoughts and prayers," just like the last time, and the time before that.
President Donald Trump:
To victims, families & loved ones affected by this senseless violence in Las Vegas, Karen & I are praying for you & offering our love...October 2, 2017
Vice President Mike Pence:
...The hearts & prayers of the American people are with you. You have our condolences and sympathies.October 2, 2017
To the courageous first responders, thank you for your acts of bravery.October 2, 2017
Pelosi statement on Las Vegas shooting. pic.twitter.com/8dHZKSSuTgOctober 2, 2017
Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval:
Senseless, horrifying act of violence in Las Vegas tonight. Praying for all the victims & those impacted by the tragedy.October 2, 2017
Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto:
Pelosi statement on Las Vegas shooting. pic.twitter.com/8dHZKSSuTgOctober 2, 2017
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi:
Pelosi statement on Las Vegas shooting. pic.twitter.com/8dHZKSSuTgOctober 2, 2017
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders:
“All of those affected are in our thoughts and prayers."
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy:
Such a senseless tragedy in Las Vegas. This horrific act has our nation praying for the victims and their families. May God bless us all.October 2, 2017
Ohio Governor John Kasich:
Our hearts are heavy for the victims of the terrible attack in Las Vegas, their families and for all who have been affected.October 2, 2017
Florida Senator Marco Rubio:
I’m praying for all the victims, their families, and our first responders in the #LasVegas #MandalayBay shooting.October 2, 2017
Texas Senator Ted Cruz:
Lifting up in prayer all impacted by last night's despicable shooting in Las Vegas & all 1st responders on the scene https://t.co/1Yb9NeHx9wOctober 2, 2017
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul:
Praying for the victims and first responders in Las Vegas and our country right now. This shooting was a horrible and cowardly act.October 2, 2017
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy:
Sen. Chris Murphy releases statememt on Las Vegas shooting:"This must stop...It's time for Congress to get off its ass and do something" pic.twitter.com/hymdP7r5nxOctober 2, 2017
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal:
My heart breaks for Las Vegas - prayers to families and loved ones. The nation's conscience must be galvanized.October 2, 2017
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey:
Praying for the victims, their families, and all those who responded to this horrific shooting in Las Vegas.October 2, 2017
New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan:
Praying for the victims and their loved ones following the horrific shooting in Las Vegas - and grateful to all the brave first responders.October 2, 2017
Now might be the time to point out that the previous deadliest mass shooting in modern American history was last year, at Pulse nightclub in Orlando (opens in new tab). In that case, Omar Mateen killed 49 people. American gun laws have not changed since, but close to 500 people were shot by one man Sunday night. Once more, we must ask if this is really the country we've built for ourselves.
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