On Sunday night, a shooter opened fire on people attending the Route 91 Harvest Festival, a three-day country music event, in Las Vegas, USA, killing at least 59 people and wounding more than 500. The gunman used a room on the 39th floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel to open fire on the crowds gathered below. Police believe the shooter, identified as Stephen Paddock, died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Mr Paddock had more than 20 guns in his room. As yet, no motive has been found for the shooting.
On behalf of the Seventh-day Adventist church, General Conference president Ted Wilson released an official statement of condolence.
Last night a tragedy unfolded as more than 500 people were injured and at least 58 people killed as the result of a senseless act of violence in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sadly, officials fear the death toll will continue to rise as hundreds of victims are in the hospital still fighting for their lives.
As president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church I offer my deep condolences to the families who have been affected by this horrific act, and want them to know that in the midst of this chaos, the Seventh-day Adventist family worldwide is praying for the victims and their families.
We believe that Jesus is coming very soon, and then violence and suffering and pain will be brought to an end. May we be rooted in this blessed hope and may God give us strength and courage as we seek to be His agents of blessing in an increasingly uncertain world.
Ted N.C. Wilson, President
Seventh-day Adventist Church
