Stephen Paddock opened fire on attendees at the Route 91 Country Music Festival in Las Vegas Sunday night, killing at least 59 and injuring more than 500, making the incident the largest mass-shooting seen in the country to date.
Among the deceased is 33-year-old Rachael Parker, a Long Beach resident who was celebrating her friend’s birthday in Las Vegas.
Parker was a records technician for the Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD) and one of four MBPD officers in attendance at the concert. She had been employed with the police for 10 years, and “will be greatly missed,” the MBPD said in a release.
Also in attendance were 10 off-duty Long Beach firefighters — including one retired — according to Long Beach Fire Chief Michael DuRee.
DuRee said that the LBFD members acted as first-responders when the gunfire started. One firefighter rigged a ladder using a barricade to help people over the venue fencing, he said.
The Fire Chief added that there also were off-duty members of the Long Beach Police Department in attendance, as well as members from other city departments.
“It’s safe to say that our public safety folks from Long Beach — and everywhere else for that matter — sprang into action when the incident went down,” DuRee said.
For people concerned about family or friends who may be missing in Las Vegas, there is a hotline available. Call (800) 536-9488.
MGM Resorts is coordinating rooms at the Bellagio at no costs to victims’ families, as well as organizing transportation through Southwest Airlines. For more information, call (888) 634-7111.
Clark County Commission Chair Steve Sisolak and LVMPD Sheriff Joe Lombardo have raised nearly $3 million to provide financial relief to victims and their families. For more information, or to make a donation, go to gofundme.com/dr2ks2-las-vegas-victims-fund.
As for the investigation, LVMPD said in multiple statements that their search for answers is ongoing.