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Stephen Paddock
Stephen Paddock
Stephen Paddock
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Stephen Craig Paddock[5] (April 9, 1953 – October 1, 2017)[6] was an American mass murderer who perpetrated the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. Paddock opened fire into a crowd of about 22,000 concertgoers attending a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip, killing 60 people[a] and injuring approximately 867 (at least 413 of whom were wounded by gunfire).[7][8] Paddock killed himself in his hotel room following the shooting.[1] The incident is the deadliest mass shooting by a lone shooter in United States history. Paddock's motive remains officially undetermined,[9] and the possible factors are the subject of speculation.

Key Information

Paddock was a real-estate investor, property manager, accountant, private pilot and video poker gambler who lived in Mesquite, Nevada.[10]

Early years and education

[edit]

Paddock was born on April 9, 1953, in Clinton, Iowa,[11][12] where his family lived at the time.[13][14] He was the oldest of four sons of Benjamin Paddock and Dolores Hudson. Shortly after his birth, his family relocated to Tucson, Arizona.[15][16][17] Benjamin was a bank robber who was arrested in Arizona in 1960 when Stephen was seven years old.[18] Benjamin was later convicted and escaped prison in 1969, subsequently appearing on the FBI's most-wanted list.[19]

According to Stephen's brother Eric, "he (Benjamin Paddock) was never with my mom"[7] and "we didn't grow up under his influence." After Benjamin was arrested, their mother told the children that their father had died in a car accident and kept his status as a bank robber a secret from the family.[20] Dolores proceeded to move her sons to the Sun Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles, where Stephen spent his remaining childhood and adolescence in a low-income household. Dolores worked as a secretary to support the family. According to one of Paddock's ex-wives in a police interview, he had spoken about how growing up with a single mother and the family's financial instability caused him to prioritize being self-reliant and self-sustaining.[3]

Another one of Stephen's brothers, Patrick Paddock II said that he and his brothers all grew up with anger, but he said he thought Stephen seemed the least affected. "My brother was the most boring one in the family," Patrick said of Stephen. "He was the least violent one."[21] Former high school classmates describe the younger Paddock as a "math genius" and "quiet and withdrawn."[22][23]

Paddock attended Richard E. Byrd Middle School, Sun Valley High School, and John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, where he graduated in 1971. He went on to graduate from California State University, Northridge in 1977, with a degree in business administration.[24][25]

Career and gambling

[edit]

Paddock worked as a postal worker from 1975 to 1978. After that, he worked for the Internal Revenue Service until 1984. In 1985, he worked as an auditor for the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Toward the end of the 1980s Paddock worked for three years as an internal auditor for a company that later merged into Lockheed Martin.[26] He was known to have run a real-estate business with his brother Eric.[27]

Paddock lived in the Greater Los Angeles Area and owned real estate in Panorama City, Cerritos, and North Hollywood from the 1970s to early 2000s.[26][9] He also owned two apartment buildings in Hawthorne, California. In addition, he owned an apartment complex in Mesquite, Texas, which he sold in 2012.[9]

Relatives said Paddock was worth at least US$2 million when he sold off the real-estate business.[28][29] Among his most profitable investments was an apartment complex purchased in 2004 which gave him more than $500,000 in annual income by 2011. IRS records show he made $5–6 million in profits from its sale in 2015.[30]

Paddock was an avid gambler,[31] and although the extent to which he profited from it is not clear, his reported gambling winnings might have been substantial.[30][32] He was sometimes seen in high-limit rooms, but he was not well known among high-stakes gamblers in Las Vegas and was not considered a "whale" (high roller) by the casinos.[33] His game of choice was video poker, which he had played for over 25 years.[33][34] He usually gambled after dark and slept during the day; he disliked being out in the sun.[35]

Personal life

[edit]

Paddock was married and divorced twice and had no children. He was first married from 1977 to 1979 and for the second time from 1985 to 1990, both marriages in Los Angeles County, California.[7] Family members say he stayed on good terms with his ex-wives.[22][36]

Paddock's Reno home in June 2019

Paddock lived in Texas and California,[15][37] and then in a retirement community in Melbourne, Florida, from 2013 to 2015.[7] In 2016, he moved from Florida to another retirement home in Mesquite, Nevada.[7][38] According to property records he bought a new house in Mesquite in January 2015[39] and sold his two-bedroom home in Melbourne.[28]

Paddock lived in Mesquite with his girlfriend whom he had met several years before in Reno, Nevada.[39] According to neighbors, they also lived together in Reno.[37] Many Mesquite residents recalled only seeing him around town; those familiar with Paddock described him as someone who did not speak much and kept a low profile. The local gun owner community never saw him at any of the gun clubs or shooting ranges, including makeshift ones in the nearby desert.[40]

An Australian acquaintance said he met Paddock in the United States and in the Philippines. He described Paddock as intelligent and methodical. In his account, Paddock said he had won money by applying algorithms to gambling on machines. Paddock was conversant in gun laws and in defending his view of the Second Amendment. The acquaintance considered Paddock a generous man whenever he and his girlfriend visited him.[41]

In 2010, Paddock applied for and received a United States passport.[42] He went on 20 cruise ship voyages, visiting several foreign ports including ones in Spain, Italy, Greece, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. He was accompanied by his girlfriend on nine of them.[43] They went to the Philippines together in 2013 and 2014.[44] During the last year of his life, they traveled on a cruise to the Middle East.[45] Paddock had his pilot's license since at least 2004 and owned two small planes, one being a Cirrus SR20 (registration N5343M).[10][46][47][48][49]

Paddock's only recorded interaction with law enforcement was a minor traffic citation years before the shooting, which he settled in court.[50][51] According to court records, Paddock also sued the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in September 2012, saying he "slipped and fell on an obstruction on the floor" and was injured as a result; the lawsuit settled, and was dismissed with prejudice in October 2014.[50]

Possible contributing factors

[edit]

Paddock's girlfriend stated that he did not talk at length about politics and did not belong to any political organizations. In addition, Paddock increasingly complained of being sick and was sensitive to chemical smells.[3]

During his last months, Paddock reportedly often smelled of alcohol in the early morning,[22][52] and he appeared despondent.[22] He was reported to have filled prescriptions for the anti-anxiety drug Valium in 2013,[35] in 2016, and finally again in June 2017, the latter being four months before the shooting.[53] The chief medical officer of the Las Vegas Recovery Center said the effects of the drug can be magnified by alcohol,[53] as confirmed by Michael First, a clinical psychiatry professor at Columbia University.[53][54][55][56] Paddock's autopsy revealed he was not under the influence of any psychoactive drugs or alcohol at the time of the shooting, though his urine did contain benzodiazepines.[57]

During an interview with local CBS affiliate KLAS-TV, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said Paddock had reportedly been losing "a significant amount of wealth" since September 2015, which led to his having "bouts of depression".[58][59][60] According to his girlfriend, she noticed a decline of affection and intimacy towards her from Paddock, who had been romantic at first during their relationship; he attributed it to his declining health.[3]

In March 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released documents that speculated Paddock's motive as discontent over the alleged negative treatment he and other high rollers had been receiving at Las Vegas casinos. However, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department dismissed the report and reiterated their findings that the motive was inconclusive.[61][62]

Leading up to the shooting

[edit]

Paddock's gun purchases spiked significantly between October 2016 and September 28, 2017. He purchased over 55 firearms, the majority of them rifles, according to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He also purchased a number of firearm-related accessories. Prior to that, he purchased approximately 29 firearms between 1982 and September 2016, mainly handguns and shotguns.[63][64] His girlfriend noticed the increase of firearm-related purchases but believed his interest in guns was just a hobby.[3]

At his suggestion, two weeks before the attack, his girlfriend went to her native country, the Philippines. Paddock bought her a surprise airline ticket and soon after wired her $100,000 to buy a house there.[65] Most of their communication during this time was through email and text message.[3] He was spotted in Las Vegas with another woman, reported by investigators to be a prostitute.[66] It was later confirmed that this woman was not an accomplice nor considered a suspect, and her name has not been released.[67] Two days prior to the shooting, Paddock was recorded by a home surveillance system driving alone to an area for target practice located near his home.[68]

2017 Las Vegas shooting

[edit]
Main article: 2017 Las Vegas shooting
Paddock open fired from his suite on the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay.

On the night of October 1, 2017, starting at 10:05 p.m.,[69] Paddock fired over 1,000 rifle rounds from his hotel room, Room 32‑135 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, onto a large crowd of concertgoers at the Route 91 Harvest music festival on the Las Vegas Strip, ultimately killing 60 people and wounding 867 others. He then shot and killed himself.[1][2][3][4]

Paddock meticulously planned the attack.[70] On September 25, six days before the shooting, he checked into the hotel with 10 shooting-range bags and a computer.[64][71]

Main stage of the Route 91 festival in September 2017, prior to the shooting.

On September 29, he moved into an additional suite, 32–134, connected to the first one; both rooms overlooked the festival grounds. He stayed in both in the days leading up to the shooting.[64] After Paddock killed himself, the police found 23 rifles and one handgun inside his rooms.[72][73] They included fourteen .223-caliber AR-15 type rifles, eight .308 caliber AR-10 type rifles, one .308 caliber Ruger American bolt-action rifle, and one .38 caliber Smith & Wesson model 342 revolver,[74] all "very expensive," according to a law enforcement source.[75] His arsenal included a large quantity of ammunition in special high-capacity magazines holding up to 100 cartridges each.[75][76] Some of the rifles were resting on bipods,[75] and were equipped with high-tech telescopic sights.[77][78] All fourteen AR-15-type rifles were outfitted with bump stocks that make the act of using recoil to assist in pulling the trigger again easier and faster, increasing the weapon's rate of fire.[74][79] Audio recordings of the attack indicated Paddock used these stocks to fire at the crowd in rapid succession.[80][81][82]

At some point during the attack on concertgoers, Paddock – who had placed a webcamera on a service cart outside his room – fired about 35 rounds through his door. The shots wounded approaching hotel security guard Jesus Campos. The unarmed Campos had attempted to enter the 32nd floor first at 9:59 pm on an unrelated matter but he found the door to the hallway screwed shut by Paddock.[3][74][83] At 10:05 pm, Paddock began firing hundreds of rounds in rapid succession at the crowd below. He initially started off with a few single gunshots before firing in prolonged bursts. He stopped shooting ten minutes later at 10:15 pm.[71][84] It is speculated that at that time Paddock committed suicide, shooting himself through the mouth.[63]

According to the chronology of events established by the authorities in the following days, the first two police officers reached the 32nd floor of the hotel at 10:17 pm. A minute later, they were shown the location of Paddock's door. Between 10:26 and 10:30 pm, an additional eight LVMPD officers joined them and began clearing other suites along the 32nd floor hallway. At 10:55 pm, eight SWAT team members entered the 32nd floor through the second stairwell nearest to Paddock's suite.[85] Once all the other rooms on the floor had been cleared, at 11:20 pm — more than an hour after the first two officers arrived[86][87] and 65 minutes after Paddock had ceased firing—police breached his door with an explosive charge and entered the room.[85] Paddock was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.[88][89]

Investigation

[edit]

In addition to the firearms and accessories found in Paddock's hotel room, there was a note that included handwritten calculations about where he needed to aim to maximize his accuracy.[90][91] The note contained the actual distance to the target, his own elevation and the bullet trajectory relative to the line of fire.[92] There were also several laptops in the suite, one of which was missing a hard drive.[60] Computer forensics discovered hundreds of images of child pornography on the laptops. Paddock's brother, Bruce Paddock (referred to as "Daniel Paddock" in other sources), was arrested in Los Angeles in October in an unrelated child pornography investigation.[93][94][95]

Ammonium nitrate, often used in improvised explosive devices, was found in Paddock's car trunk along with 1,600 rounds of ammunition and 50 pounds (23 kilograms) of Tannerite, a binary explosive used to make explosive targets for gun ranges.[70][96] However, investigators clarified that while Paddock had "nefarious intent" with the material, he did not appear to have assembled an explosive device.[97][98] An additional 19 firearms were found at his home.[63]

Over the weekend following the shooting, Paddock's Reno home was broken into via the front door by an unknown perpetrator. Authorities stated nothing was known to have been taken, and confirmed that the FBI was revisiting his homes.[99]

Motive

[edit]

According to police, Paddock acted alone. His motive remains unknown.[100][101][102][103] There has been some discussion around brain pathology initially thought to be benign as a possible contributor.[104][105] Paddock's remains were sent to Stanford University to receive a more extensive analysis of his brain.[106] The Stanford pathologists found no abnormalities present within the brain.[107]

Investigators believe he was obsessed with cleanliness and possibly had bipolar disorder. Although a doctor did offer him antidepressants, he only accepted anxiety medication and it was reported that he was fearful of medication and often refused to take it.[64][108] The doctor also described Paddock as "odd" and showing "little emotion". Psychologists ex post facto have noted a distinct similarity between Paddock's demeanor and the psychological construct alexithymia,[109] which might have modulated his decision to conduct the shooting given its association with various mass murderers throughout history.[110][111][112]

The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the shooting, saying that Paddock had converted to Islam six months prior to the terrorist attack,[113] and had renamed himself Abu Abdul Barr al-Amriki,[114][115] but United States law enforcement officials have given no evidence of a connection between Paddock and IS.[45] According to his Catholic girlfriend, Paddock described himself as an atheist and often said "your God doesn't love me."[116][117]

[edit]
  • Stephen Paddock and the shooting were covered in the "One October: Massacre on the Strip" episode of Lies, Crime & Videos.[118] A title card at the beginning of the episode states that some of the over 22,000 hours of video covered in the episode is being shown for the first time.
  • In rapper Eminem's song titled "Darkness" on his January 2020 album Music to Be Murdered By, the song and the accompanying music video portrays Stephen Paddock's thought process before the shooting while also serving as a metaphor for Eminem's nervousness before a concert performance.[119][120]
  • A four-part Emmy-nominated documentary miniseries about the shooting, 11 Minutes, was released by Paramount+ in September 2022.[121][122]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Stephen Paddock

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Stephen Craig Paddock (April 9, 1953 – October 1, 2017) was an American investor, high-stakes gambler, and the sole perpetrator of the , the deadliest mass shooting committed by an individual in history. On October 1, 2017, from his 32nd-floor suite at the Resort overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, Paddock fired over 1,000 rounds into the crowd attending the music festival, killing 58 people and wounding more than 400 others before dying by . A multimillionaire with no prior criminal record, Paddock amassed wealth through investments and gambling, living a reclusive lifestyle across multiple properties in and elsewhere. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's extensive probe, including behavioral analysis, concluded that Paddock acted alone with no identifiable ideological, political, or terrorist motive, though he expressed resentment toward treatment of high-rollers and sought notoriety. Despite thorough examination of his finances, relationships, and preparations—which involved stockpiling over 40 firearms—authorities found no evidence of accomplices or external influences driving the attack. Paddock's background as a former and IRS agent in the and reflected an ordinary early career before transitioning to independent wealth, underscoring the enigmatic nature of his final actions.

Early life and family

Childhood and upbringing

Stephen Craig Paddock was born on April 9, 1953, in , to , a habitual criminal involved in robberies, and his . As the eldest of four sons, Paddock spent his early childhood in , where the family resided on the city's west side around age 5 to 7. His father was arrested there in 1960 for a series of robberies, after which he was imprisoned, effectively vanishing from the family's daily life and leaving the mother to raise the children alone. The family's circumstances were marked by instability following the father's ; neighbors recalled Paddock as a quiet child, with one local resident, , occasionally taking him swimming during the FBI manhunt for his father. Accounts describe a troubled upbringing, including from the father prior to his incarceration and financial struggles for the mother as she supported the household single-handedly. The Paddocks relocated from Tucson to sometime after the , continuing the pattern of transience that characterized much of Paddock's early years. Despite the paternal influence of criminality—Benjamin Paddock later escaped prison and topped the FBI's in 1969—young Stephen exhibited no , maintaining a clean record amid these disruptions.

Family background and relations

Stephen Paddock was born on April 9, 1953, to , a career criminal known for robberies and escapes from custody, and Delores Irene Hudson, who raised him and his siblings as a single mother after the father's early departure. , who operated under aliases including Patrick Benjamin Paddock, was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in 1969 for robbing a in , in 1960 and subsequent escapes, including one in 1968 from a federal prison in ; he was captured in 1978 near , and diagnosed with during his incarceration. The parents never married, and Benjamin Paddock had minimal contact with his sons after abandoning the family when Stephen was an infant, though Irene Hudson delayed informing her children of his criminal history until they were in their early twenties. Irene Hudson, born around 1928, supported the family through multiple low-wage jobs while frequently relocating across states including , , and , amid financial hardships that contributed to an unstable upbringing for her four sons. She outlived Stephen, reaching age 89 by 2017, and inherited his estate under law due to the absence of a will, though portions were later directed toward victims' families via family agreement. Paddock maintained periodic contact with his mother into adulthood, including texting his brother Eric in September 2017 to inquire about her health amid her living arrangements. Paddock had three brothers: Patrick, Bruce, and Eric, all raised primarily by their mother without significant paternal involvement. Paddock, the youngest, described the family as shocked by Stephen's actions, noting no prior signs of mental instability or and portraying him as the most successful who occasionally provided financial help. Paddock faced multiple legal issues, including a 2017 on child pornography charges that were dismissed in 2018 for lack of linking him to the materials found, as well as prior convictions involving distribution and threats of . Family members, including Vivian Ayers, emphasized that Stephen exhibited no overt behavioral issues in youth despite the father's absence and the household's instability, with relations among the brothers remaining distant but non-contentious in adulthood.

Education and professional development

Formal education

Paddock graduated from John H. Francis Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley, California, in 1971. Following high school, he enrolled at (CSUN) in fall 1971 but withdrew that semester citing medical reasons, including allergies and stomach problems, according to his brother Eric Paddock. He resumed studies at CSUN and earned a degree in in 1977. Academic records from CSUN indicate Paddock maintained a cumulative grade-point average of 2.97 over his coursework from 1971 to 1977, equivalent to a B average, with 12 A's, 18 B's, 4 C's, 2 D's, and 1 F. He received A's in subjects such as quantitative analysis, principles of , and programming, but earned an F in after receiving no credit the prior semester and D's in behavioral science management and math analysis. Paddock made the in fall 1974 and spring 1975, and his final course was Analysis of Business Operations in fall 1977, in which he received a B. No records indicate attendance at other institutions prior to or during his time at CSUN.

Early career in government and accounting

Paddock began his professional career in federal government service following his education. In July 1976, he was employed as a letter carrier by the , a position he held for approximately two years until 1978. From 1978 to 1984, Paddock worked as an agent for the (IRS), serving for six years in a role involving tax enforcement and auditing. In 1985, he transitioned to the (DCAA), where he functioned as an auditor specializing in defense contractor oversight for one year. This marked the end of his government employment, after which he pursued opportunities in .

Career and financial pursuits

Real estate investments

Stephen Paddock began investing in in the mid-1980s, acquiring residential properties and rental units that formed a key component of his wealth accumulation strategy. His initial purchase occurred in November 1985, when he bought a modest house in on El Paso Drive. In subsequent years, he purchased at least five additional properties in , including co-ownership of two run-down apartment buildings in a working-class neighborhood, which he used as rental investments. Paddock's portfolio expanded to include properties across multiple states, such as homes in , where he bought and sold at least two, incurring an $11,000 loss on one transaction; a stake in a Reno property; and the Mesquite Central Park Apartments in , which he owned as early as 2004 and which were valued at approximately $6 million at the time of purchase. He frequently paid cash for acquisitions to maintain privacy and engaged in buying and selling activities, sometimes in partnership with his brother , generating proceeds that supplemented his professional . In , Paddock owned personal residences in Reno and Mesquite, both placed on the market after his death. The Reno home, a 1,410-square-foot , was listed for $374,900 in October 2018 and sold for $305,000 in April 2019; the Mesquite house was offered at $449,000 in August 2018. Overall, linked him to at least nine houses, condos, and apartment buildings beyond his Nevada holdings, alongside a minimum of three dedicated rental properties that provided steady income. These investments were reported to have built Paddock's to an estimated $5 million by 2017, though subsequent appraisals of his homes valued them collectively near $800,000, indicating potential overestimation in initial estate reports or inclusion of liquidated assets and other holdings. Paddock managed some properties himself, leveraging his background to handle finances and .

Gambling as a profession and lifestyle

Stephen Paddock pursued high-stakes gambling, particularly , as his primary occupation following his early retirement from in the mid-2000s. He described himself as a professional gambler, focusing on machines with favorable payout structures, often wagering $100 or more per hand during extended sessions that could last hours or overnight. Casinos in and Reno tracked him as a high-volume player, granting VIP status that included complimentary luxury suites, meals, and airfare due to his theoretical loss potential, estimated in tens of thousands of dollars per visit. His approach emphasized edge minimization through data-driven selection of video poker variants like full-pay , where return-to-player rates approached 99-100% under optimal play, supplemented by rebate programs that offset some house advantage. In a 2013 deposition related to a dispute, Paddock testified to up to $1 million per night, typically while dressed casually in and flip-flops, carrying his own alcoholic drinks to avoid tipping, and relying on Valium to sustain all-night play while sleeping during the day. Associates described him as methodical and guarded, employing algorithms to analyze machine performance and relocating frequently between properties to exploit promotional offers. Despite occasional large jackpots—such as $5 million in verified 2015 payouts—Paddock incurred substantial net losses, with IRS forms from that year showing a gambling deficit of about $404,933 after for wagers and rebates. He gambled $10,000 to $30,000 daily on multiple occasions, funding this lifestyle partly through prior profits exceeding $1.5 million, but the inherent casino edge in ensured long-term unprofitability for even skilled players like him. This solitary routine dominated his daily life, involving constant travel among resorts for better comps and machine availability, though it yielded no sustained income and contributed to financial strain in later years.

Personal life and habits

Relationships and residences

Stephen Paddock was married twice, with both marriages ending in and producing no children. His first marriage lasted from 1977 to 1979, and his second from 1985 to 1990, the latter cited for . One ex-wife, Peggy Paddock, resided in , and confirmed no contact for years following their in 1990. In his later years, Paddock maintained a long-term relationship with Marilou Danley, whom he met around 2013; the couple lived together and she described him as non-violent with no foreknowledge of his actions. Danley was abroad in the , to which Paddock had sent her two weeks prior to the shooting, and faced no charges after investigation. Paddock's family ties were distant; he was the son of , a convicted robber and FBI Most Wanted who abandoned the family early in Stephen's childhood and had no further involvement. His brother expressed shock at the shooting, indicating limited prior contact among siblings. Paddock primarily resided in a retirement community in , sharing a home there with Danley. He also owned a property in , purchased earlier and later sold, which served as another residence. His portfolio included multiple investment properties acquired starting in 1985, such as homes in and a stake in land, often bought with cash and used to generate income for his lifestyle, though not all were primary residences.

Health issues and behavioral patterns

Paddock's primary care physician reported suspecting undiagnosed based on observed mood swings and behaviors, though Paddock declined to discuss or pursue treatment. No formal psychiatric diagnoses were recorded in his . The Clark County coroner's on October 6, 2017, following his by self-inflicted , revealed no evidence of chronic drug abuse, neurological diseases such as stroke or , or other significant physical abnormalities upon gross examination. Toxicology tests confirmed therapeutic levels of (Valium), an anti-anxiety he had been prescribed intermittently for years to manage anxiousness, with no alcohol or illicit substances present at death. His brain was forwarded to for microscopic neuropathological analysis, which identified no explanatory abnormalities for his actions despite initial hypotheses of potential subtle degenerative changes. Behaviorally, Paddock adhered to a strictly nocturnal routine, gambling for extended periods overnight in casinos and sleeping during daylight hours, a he described in a 2013 deposition as necessary for his lifestyle. He exhibited increasing social withdrawal in later years, with acquaintances noting , preoccupation with physical decline, and avoidance of interpersonal conflicts despite accumulating . Chronic high-stakes gambling dominated his daily habits, often in isolation, contributing to financial volatility despite net gains; this solitary intensified around 2015, coinciding with reports of escalating personal stressors. Witnesses described him as methodical and detail-oriented in but prone to anxiety in social settings, occasionally rocking or displaying subtle agitation under footage review. No patterns of violent outbursts or overt threats were documented prior to the attack, though FBI behavioral analysis highlighted observed declines in his mental and physical composure over the preceding years, including complaints of aging-related vulnerabilities.

Preparation and lead-up to the shooting

Weapon acquisition and planning

Paddock legally acquired the majority of his firearms through licensed dealers, gun shows, and private sales, with a significant escalation in purchases beginning in October 2016. Between October 2016 and September 2017, he obtained 55 firearms, primarily rifles including AR-15 and AR-10 models chambered in .223/5.56mm and .308/7.62mm, respectively, along with bolt-action rifles, semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, and shotguns. Overall, records indicate he purchased 67 firearms since the early 1980s, with earlier acquisitions including 17 handguns between 1982 and 2001. Specific transactions included a .308 bolt-action rifle bought on September 28, 2017, in Mesquite, Nevada, and approximately 600 rounds of .308 armor-piercing incendiary ammunition acquired on September 19, 2017, from a private seller in Phoenix, Arizona. All purchases complied with federal background check requirements, as confirmed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with no disqualifying factors identified despite the volume. Several of the were modified for enhanced functionality, including the attachment of 12 bump stocks to AR-15 variants, which allowed semi-automatic fire to simulate rapid rates approaching full-automatic without converting the weapons to machine guns under . Additional modifications encompassed bipods on AR-10 for stability, high-capacity magazines holding 25 to 100 rounds, and optical sights such as scopes. stockpiles included hollow-point, tracer, and armor-piercing varieties, totaling around 5,280 live rounds recovered post-incident. These enhancements were acquired legally through retailers and did not trigger regulatory scrutiny at the time. Planning for the attack involved extensive preparation centered on weapon deployment from a high vantage point. Paddock conducted online research on open-air venues, tactics, police response times, and , including searches from May to September 2017, and maintained a handwritten note in his suite calculating bullet drop and distances to the concert site. He performed , such as stays overlooking potential targets during events like the festival in September 2017, and selected the 32nd-floor suite at Resort for its elevated position and proximity to his Mesquite residence. Between September 25 and 30, 2017, he transported at least 23 firearms, along with and accessories, in suitcases and duffel bags via service elevators to rooms 32-135 and 32-134, enlisting bellmen for assistance without arousing suspicion. In the suite, Paddock arranged near pre-smashed windows, propping them with bipods for firing positions, and stacked loaded magazines adjacent to shooting posts—14 near one pillar in room 32-135 alone. He fortified access by installing an L-bracket to the connecting stairwell door and deployed cameras, including one modified in the and another on a cart, to monitor hallway approaches. A was positioned for his , completing the tactical setup. This methodical process, spanning months, reflected deliberate and operational security, with no of external .

Activities in the days before October 1, 2017

Stephen Paddock checked into the Resort and Casino on September 25, 2017. Over the ensuing days, surveillance footage recorded him engaging in routine activities, including gambling at machines on the floor and purchasing snacks at the gift shop for solitary meals. He interacted courteously with hotel staff, exchanging jokes with bellhops and valets while tipping generously, and appeared relaxed and unhurried to observers. On September 28, Paddock relocated to a complimentary suite on the 32nd floor overlooking the Las Vegas Strip and the festival site. Between that date and , he transported more than 10 suitcases into the suite via elevators, typically traveling alone. These bags contained 23 firearms, including rifles fitted with scopes and 12 bump-fire stocks, as well as thousands of rounds of . Paddock also installed cameras within the suite, in the adjacent hallway, and modified the door peephole for external monitoring. He departed the on multiple occasions during this period, though specific destinations remain undocumented in available records. Throughout these activities, Paddock's demeanor betrayed no overt signs of distress or unusual intent to hotel personnel or fellow guests, blending seamlessly into the environment of a high-roller patron. His methodical transport of weaponry occurred without arousing suspicion, facilitated by the volume of luggage typical for extended stays at the property.

The 2017 Las Vegas shooting

Execution of the attack

Stephen Paddock executed the attack from suite 32-135 on the 32nd floor of the Resort and Casino, positioned directly overlooking the music festival venue on the Las Vegas Strip. He had smashed out two adjacent windows in the suite to establish firing positions, allowing clear lines of sight to the outdoor concert crowd approximately 400 yards below. Paddock deployed multiple semi-automatic rifles, including AR-15-style weapons modified with bump stocks to enable rapid fire approximating automatic weapon rates, along with bipods for stability and high-capacity magazines. The shooting commenced at 10:05 p.m. PDT on , 2017, with Paddock unleashing the first burst of gunfire targeted at the attendees during a . Over the ensuing ten minutes, he fired in twelve distinct bursts, expending more than 1,100 rounds from at least ten firearms positioned across the suite. In addition to the primary assault on the concertgoers, Paddock directed shots toward a nearby storage tank using in an apparent attempt to ignite it, though without success. Approximately one minute into the attack, at around 10:06 p.m., he fired through the suite door, wounding Campos who had approached to investigate an open-door alert. Paddock ceased firing at approximately 10:15 p.m., after which he inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, resulting in his death. Law enforcement, including officers, responded by ascending the hotel and breaching the suite door around 11:20 p.m., confirming Paddock's and securing the scene with no evidence of accomplices present. The elevated vantage point, combined with the unmodified semi-automatic platforms enhanced for sustained fire, enabled Paddock to conduct the assault unilaterally before terminating it.

Casualties and immediate response

The shooting resulted in 58 fatalities among concertgoers, all ruled homicides due to wounds, with the Clark County confirming that 52 victims died from a single and six from multiple wounds. In addition, more than 850 individuals sustained injuries, including 422 who were transported to hospitals by for treatment of wounds, shrapnel injuries, and trauma from the ensuing ; many others sought medical care independently or were treated on-site for non-penetrating wounds. The victims ranged in age from 20 to 67, with a majority being women, and hailed from at least 30 states and several foreign countries, reflecting the diverse attendance at the music festival. The attack commenced at approximately 10:05 p.m. PDT on , 2017, when Paddock fired over 1,000 rounds from his 32nd-floor suite at the hotel toward the 22,000 attendees, continuing intermittently for about 10 minutes before ceasing. Initial response involved concertgoers taking cover, trampling each other in evacuation attempts, and off-duty police officers at the event aiding in directing crowds away from the line of fire; (LVMPD) officers arrived within minutes, establishing a perimeter around the festival grounds and the Mandalay Bay while treating the wounded amid ongoing gunfire. Jesus Campos, a Mandalay Bay , was shot in the leg around 9:59 p.m. after investigating an alert on the 32nd floor, which delayed full breach efforts as he radioed for help. LVMPD SWAT teams, supported by the FBI's , breached Paddock's suite at 11:20 p.m., approximately 75 minutes after the initial shots on the crowd, discovering him dead from a self-inflicted to the head along with an of firearms and . Concurrently, Clark County Fire Department personnel and paramedics triaged victims at the scene under "red, yellow, green" protocols, prioritizing critical cases amid resource strain, with 14 area hospitals activating mass casualty plans and receiving over 500 patients within hours. The response faced challenges from inaccurate reports at multiple Strip locations and communication overload, but no further casualties occurred post-breaching.

Investigation and forensic findings

Crime scene analysis

Stephen Paddock occupied suites 32-135 and 32-134 on the 32nd floor of the Resort, providing an elevated vantage point over the music festival venue approximately 1,590 feet away. Upon breaching the rooms at approximately 11:20 p.m. on October 1, 2017, officers discovered Paddock deceased from a self-inflicted to the head, positioned on his back in the foyer of suite 32-135 with a Smith & Wesson nearby and a partially beneath his body. A pool of blood surrounded his head, and ballistic evidence confirmed the revolver matched the wound. Investigators recovered 23 firearms from the suites, including 14 AR-15-style rifles chambered in .223/5.56mm, eight AR-10-style rifles in .308/7.62mm, one .308 bolt-action rifle, and the aforementioned . Many AR-15 rifles were equipped with bump stocks to facilitate rapid semi-automatic fire simulating full-automatic rates, along with vertical foregrips, high-capacity magazines holding 40 to 100 rounds, and optics. AR-10 rifles featured bipods and scopes for longer-range accuracy, with 25-round magazines. Rifles were strategically placed near shattered floor-to-ceiling windows in both the living area and bedroom of suite 32-135, as well as in suite 32-134, with some positioned on furniture, the floor, or beds to alternate firing positions. Approximately 1,057 expended .223/5.56mm casings were scattered throughout, indicating sustained fire over about 10 minutes starting at 10:05 p.m., including volleys of around 100 rounds at 10:06 p.m. and 95 rounds at 10:07 p.m. directed toward the grounds. An additional 5,280 live rounds and loaded magazines were found in suitcases. The scene revealed deliberate preparations, including a handwritten note containing calculations for bullet trajectory, drop, and distance to targets, underscoring premeditated positioning. Surveillance measures included a camera rigged to the of suite 32-135's , a live-feed monitor, and an external camera on a cart in the to monitor approaching responders. The connecting between suites was open, and the stairwell was secured with an L-bracket, while bullet holes in the suite evidenced defensive or erratic into the . No explosives were present in the suites, though precursors were later found in Paddock's vehicle. Forensic ballistics linked 14 rifles to the shooting, with trajectories confirming fire toward the festival site, a fuel tank (eight rounds fired, two impacts), and the hallway. DNA evidence indicated only Paddock's presence, with no signs of accomplices. The arsenal and setup demonstrated a calculated effort to maximize lethality from a fixed, high-altitude position, though analysis yielded no manifesto or explicit ideological indicators.

Searches for accomplices or external influences

Investigators from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the (FBI) conducted extensive searches for potential accomplices in the October 1, 2017, shooting perpetrated by Stephen Paddock. Early in the probe, LVMPD Sheriff indicated that while no of an accomplice was found, preparations of such scale suggested possible assistance, prompting of Paddock's associates. Paddock's , Marilou Danley, emerged as a primary person of interest after wiring $100,000 to relatives in the and traveling there on September 25, 2017; she was questioned by the FBI upon returning to the U.S. on October 4, 2017, but provided no evidence of foreknowledge or involvement, and no charges were filed. A second , an unidentified man, was sought in the days following the attack based on witness reports and , but documents released in January 2018 confirmed he was not connected to the planning or execution. Forensic analysis of the hotel rooms yielded no foreign DNA or fingerprints indicating additional handlers, with ballistic and video evidence aligning solely with Paddock's actions. The LVMPD's August 3, 2018, criminal investigative report explicitly concluded, based on DNA testing, that no anomalies suggested anyone other than Paddock was responsible, affirming he acted alone despite initial rumors of multiple shooters. Regarding external influences, claimed responsibility via its on October 1, 2017, asserting Paddock had converted to months prior, but U.S. officials swiftly dismissed this as unsubstantiated. The FBI's investigation found no links to international terrorism, ideological groups, or , attributing the claim to 's desperation amid territorial losses in and . Paddock's digital footprint revealed no communications with extremist entities, and the FBI's 2019 behavioral analysis unit report reiterated that he operated independently without external ideological drivers. Comprehensive reviews of his finances, travel, and online activity uncovered no ties to foreign actors or conspiracies.

Motive analysis and theories

Official conclusions on absence of motive

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) concluded its investigation into the October 1, 2017, without identifying a motive for Stephen Paddock's actions, as detailed in its final criminal investigative report released on August 3, 2018. Despite analyzing over 22,000 leads, including Paddock's financial records, travel history, electronic devices, and communications with associates, investigators found no evidence of ideological affiliation, political extremism, religious motivation, or personal vendetta against the festival attendees. The report emphasized the absence of any , , or explicit declaration of intent, noting that Paddock's preparations appeared methodical but lacked explanatory rationale for targeting the crowd. The (FBI), in coordination with LVMPD, conducted a parallel behavioral analysis through its (BAU). The FBI's investigation, formally closed on January 29, 2019, determined that no single motivating factor could be identified to explain Paddock's decision to perpetrate the attack, which killed 58 people and injured over 800. BAU findings ruled out , gang involvement, or hatred toward any specific demographic group, while observing that Paddock's actions aligned with a desire for and control over his , potentially influenced by his father's criminal notoriety but not driven by it. Investigators highlighted Paddock's progressive neurological decline and frustration with comps as contextual stressors, yet these did not constitute a causal motive for the mass casualty event. Both agencies concurred that Paddock acted alone, with no accomplices or external directives uncovered, reinforcing the enigma of his intent despite exhaustive forensic and psychological profiling. This official stance on the absence of motive has persisted, even as subsequent document releases in 2023 provided ancillary details on Paddock's grievances without altering the core conclusion.

Empirical evidence and psychological evaluations

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's (BAU) assessed Stephen Paddock's actions through examination of his planning, communications, and personal history, concluding no ideological, political, or terrorist motive, but identifying a complex interplay of developmental, interpersonal, and clinical stressors without a single clear motivating factor. from device forensics, home searches, and witness interviews revealed no , , or digital trail indicating grievances, , or external influences; Paddock's preparations included year-long acquisition of over 40 firearms and , tactical for maximum casualties, and installation of cameras in his hotel suite, consistent with intent for tied to rather than targeted . Paddock exhibited traits of minimal , viewing relationships transactionally, and possible narcissistic tendencies, potentially influenced by his father's documented psychopathic criminal history, though no formal psychological was established during his lifetime. His noted Paddock as emotionally reserved with "little emotion" and suspected undiagnosed , but Paddock refused psychiatric referral, antidepressants, or detailed discussion, accepting only anti-anxiety medication like (Valium, prescribed June 21, 2017, and found at the scene). Family members reported complaints of , fatigue, and a perceived "chemical imbalance," alongside declining and interpersonal withdrawal, including reduced intimacy with his girlfriend Marilou Danley in the year prior; however, they described him as non-violent, non-political, and without overt anger or delusions. Post-mortem neuropathological examination of Paddock's brain by Dr. Hannes Vogel of revealed no tumors, strokes, or degenerative diseases like ; findings included age-related and vascular changes typical of , but no abnormalities explaining his behavior as a calculated perpetrator. Toxicology confirmed sobriety at death (blood alcohol 0.00%, no illicit drugs), with only trace prescription medications, undermining claims of acute . The BAU noted Paddock's objective decline in physical and mental functioning amid financial stressors from losses, aligning with patterns in 21% of studied active shooters lacking identifiable grievances, yet emphasizing his deliberate planning over impulsive . Overall, while stressors and subclinical traits were evident, no empirical psychological profile—such as severe mental illness—emerged as a causal explanation, leaving the absence of motive as the investigation's persistent finding.

Speculative theories and debunked claims

Various speculative theories emerged in the immediate aftermath of the October 1, 2017, Las Vegas shooting, fueled by social media and incomplete initial information, including claims of multiple gunmen and ties to organized terrorism. One widely circulated theory alleged the presence of additional shooters, based on interpretations of concert audio suggesting overlapping gunfire from the Mandalay Bay hotel and nearby locations like the Bellagio or Tropicana. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigators refuted this through ballistic matching of 105 recovered cartridge casings to Paddock's rifles, timestamped surveillance footage showing no other suspects entering or exiting relevant areas, and witness accounts corroborated by video evidence placing all firing solely from rooms 32-135 and 32-134. The (ISIS) claimed responsibility via its on October 1, 2017, asserting Paddock had converted to months prior and responded to their calls for attacks on the West. U.S. intelligence agencies, including the FBI, dismissed this after reviewing Paddock's , travel history, and communications, finding no evidence of , contact with extremists, or ideological sympathy; ISIS often issues unsubstantiated claims for , as seen in prior hoaxes. Other debunked narratives included assertions of a government-orchestrated operation or Saudi royal involvement tied to a thwarted , promoted by fringe commentators and some ex-intelligence figures citing alleged security anomalies at the . These lacked forensic backing and were contradicted by the LVMPD final report, which detailed Paddock's solitary preparation—stockpiling 47 firearms across properties, scouting prior events, and wiring $100,000 overseas without traceable accomplices—while and timeline analyses confirmed a lone perpetrator who died by at 10:05 p.m. local time. Claims of Paddock's affiliation with Antifa or far-left groups, or conversely suppressed far-right extremism, surfaced amid partisan debates but dissolved under scrutiny; released documents showed Paddock voicing anti-government grievances to associates, such as frustration over federal policies, yet no manifesto, group membership, or preparatory ties to political extremism were uncovered in FBI searches of 23 devices and financial records. The FBI's 2019 closure of its probe emphasized an absence of ideological drivers, attributing persistence of such theories to rather than empirical gaps.

Critiques of politicized interpretations

Critiques of the immediate push for measures following the October 1, 2017, shooting have emphasized that such advocacy often preceded a full understanding of the incident's circumstances and ignored empirical details about Paddock's preparations. Paddock acquired at least 33 of his 47 firearms legally within the prior year, passing federal background checks at licensed dealers without any disqualifying factors under existing law. Bump stocks, which enabled rapid fire from semiautomatic rifles, were also permissible at the time. Democratic lawmakers referenced guns in 63% of their posts about the attack, compared to just 2% for Republicans, framing the event as a catalyst for broader restrictions despite no that enhanced checks or bans would have detected Paddock's intent, given his lack of prior criminal or prohibitions in public records. This pattern reflects a recurring dynamic where public support for stricter laws surges post-shooting but fades without addressing causal factors like individual planning or undetected stressors. Speculations assigning ideological motives to Paddock have drawn criticism for overriding investigative findings with partisan conjecture. The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit concluded in 2019 that no single motivating factor existed, rejecting political ideology as a driver after extensive review of Paddock's devices, writings, and interviews with associates. Paddock's girlfriend and brother described him as apolitical, with no affiliations or discussions of politics, though isolated reports of anti-government sentiments surfaced anecdotally. Outlets speculating on far-right leanings, such as claims of conspiracy-laden rants, have been faulted for amplifying unverified accounts while institutions like mainstream media, prone to left-leaning biases, selectively emphasized such narratives over the FBI's dismissal of ideology. Conversely, early right-wing rumors of anti-Trump motives were debunked as unsubstantiated, illustrating how both sides projected affiliations absent concrete evidence like a manifesto. Debates over classifying the shooting as terrorism underscore critiques of inconsistent application driven by demographics rather than definitional rigor. Terrorism conventionally requires a political, ideological, or religious aim to intimidate or coerce, which the FBI found lacking in Paddock's case, rendering the label inapplicable despite the attack's lethality. Advocates insisting on "domestic terrorism" framing, often to equate it with ideologically driven attacks for policy leverage, faced pushback for diluting the term's utility and prioritizing equivalence over causal specificity. Studies indicate non-Muslim perpetrators like Paddock receive the "terrorist" label less frequently, fueling accusations of , yet this aligns with empirical motive assessments rather than invidious —contrasting with cases where explicit claims justify the term. Such variability highlights how media and academic sources, systematically inclined toward narratives minimizing non-jihadist violence, contribute to politicized that obscures first-principles evaluation of intent.

Aftermath and legacy

Following the October 1, 2017, shooting, victims' families and survivors filed lawsuits against MGM Resorts International, alleging negligence in hotel security that enabled Paddock to stockpile weapons in his suite at the Mandalay Bay. In October 2019, MGM agreed to settle these claims for up to $800 million, a figure approved by a Nevada district judge on September 30, 2020, to compensate more than 4,000 plaintiffs including families of the 58 deceased and hundreds injured. The settlement fund, contributed by MGM and its insurers, resolved assertions that the company failed to detect or prevent Paddock's preparations despite security protocols. Paddock died intestate, leaving an estate initially estimated at $5 million in assets including and investments, though liquid proceeds after sales and debts totaled about $1.4 million. His brother Eric Paddock and other relatives publicly supported redirecting the estate to shooting victims rather than heirs, waiving claims to facilitate distribution. After protracted proceedings initiated in late 2017, a Clark County probate attorney coordinated claims from victims' representatives, overcoming hurdles like asset liquidation and creditor priorities. On April 21, 2023, a judge approved disbursing nearly all remaining estate funds—$1.3 million—to families of 61 victims (including some non-fatal cases with claims), yielding approximately $20,000 per recipient pending final administrative costs. This allocation effectively settled wrongful death and injury claims against the estate, prioritizing victims over intestate succession under law. Separate suits against firearms manufacturers, such as those supplying Paddock's weapons, were rejected by the Nevada Supreme Court on December 3, 2021, citing statutory protections against liability absent direct wrongdoing.

Broader societal and policy discussions

The intensified partisan debates over federal policies, with advocates for restrictions citing the use of bump stocks—devices that allow semi-automatic rifles to fire rapidly by harnessing recoil—by Paddock, who attached them to multiple weapons. In December 2018, the Trump administration's Bureau of Alcohol, , Firearms and Explosives reclassified bump stocks as illegal machine guns under the 1934 , mandating their destruction or surrender, with the ban taking effect on March 26, 2019, and affecting an estimated 520,000 devices. However, broader proposals for assault weapons bans or universal background checks stalled in , where Republican majorities prioritized reforms and enforcement over new restrictions, reflecting a pattern where the shooting's unprecedented death toll of 58 and over 800 injuries failed to yield comprehensive legislative changes. On June 14, 2024, the U.S. in Garland v. invalidated the ban by a 6-3 vote, ruling that such devices do not convert semi-automatic firearms into guns under , as they require continuous trigger pressure via the shooter's forward force rather than a single pull for multiple shots, thereby exceeding ATF regulatory authority. This decision shifted responsibility to for any future prohibitions, underscoring limits on executive reinterpretation of statutes amid ongoing epidemics, where empirical data shows bump stocks used in fewer than 1% of incidents despite their role in enabling Paddock's sustained fire rate of approximately 90-100 rounds per minute. The attack prompted practical enhancements in physical security at hotels and large-scale events, as vulnerabilities in high-rise access and open-air venues were exposed. Resort installed permanent 24-hour guards at elevator banks to restrict unauthorized floor access, while other properties like the adopted mandatory metal detectors, bag scanners, and guest screenings starting October 2017. Event planners shifted toward elevated perimeter checks, sniper overwatch on rooftops, and avoidance of unsecured high vantage points, with after-action reviews by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department recommending integrated threat assessments for festivals. These measures, while increasing operational costs, addressed causal gaps in pre-attack detection without relying on elusive motives, as Paddock evaded behavioral red flags despite amassing 47 firearms legally. Societally, the absence of a manifesto or ideological driver complicated preventive frameworks, fueling discussions on lone-actor risks over labels, as the FBI classified it as domestic rather than ideological . Long-term studies of survivors indicate persistent burdens, including major depression and PTSD rates exceeding 30% five years post-event, yet broader exposure among showed resilience, with minimal disruption to professional duties. This highlighted empirical challenges in universal profiling, prioritizing structural safeguards over speculative psychological interventions absent verifiable in Paddock's case.

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