As America mourns the loss of life caused by the deadliest mass shooting in US history, details of Stephen Paddock’s reign of terror are coming to light.
The 64-year-old local ‘lone-wolf’ had amassed 42 offensive weapons, 17 of which he transported to his hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Hotel, from where he unleashed a hailstorm of bullets onto concert-goers at 10:30pm on Sunday October 1, killing 59 people and injuring over 500.
The details of his firearms have since been revealed by authorities, and reported by the LA Times, to include a majority of rifles and at least one handgun.
Paddock, a keen hunter, had modified a number of rifles with tripods and scopes to increasing their accuracy.
At least two had been modified to allow for something close to fully-automatic fire, using a legal ‘bump stock’ style device that helps the recoil accelerate how quickly the shooter can pull the trigger.
Paddock had four Daniel Defense DDM4 rifles, which feature a muzzle flash suppressor, making it harder to identify the location of the weapon.
Paddock also had three FN-15 rifles, made by FN America.
They also feature a muzzle flash suppressor and an ‘H buffer system’, which reduces recoil and increases accuracy.
The FN-15 refers to a series of rifles, rather than a specific weapon, which range from smaller carbines to replicas of the military-issue M16. It is not known exactly which version was owned by Paddock.
Paddock had at least one Russian-designed AK-47, as used by the country’s military from 1945.
It is still used by armies and rebel groups around the world due to its simplicity and reliability, and its ability to fire 7.62x39mm rounds.
It is less accurate but more devastating than other semi-automatic rifles and can retail for as little as $600.
While the exact list of guns is still being investigated, authorities know Paddock had the popular Colt AR-15 rifle in his hotel room.
The weapon takes pride of place in an estimated 8 million homes around the US.
Paddock also owned other rifles made by Sig Sauer. As well thousands of rounds of ammunition were found, ranging in calibre from .223 – similar to 5.56 rounds which are standard for NATO troops – to .308, which are typically used for hunting rifles.
All the firearms were bought legally, at local stores, after the shooter passed all the required background checks to own the guns.
Authorities said on Monday that Paddock had used as many as 10 suitcases to transport the arsenal to his room at the Mandalay Bay and had smashed open the room’s windows with a hammer-like device.
His attack on civilians caused the biggest loss of life in a mass shooting in modern US history and injured about 525 other innocent people, including off-duty police officers and navy veterans like Christopher Roybal.
The FBI says they have found no evidence of a connection to international terrorist groups, despite a claim of responsibility by Islamic State.
For families looking to locate missing loved ones, call 1-866-535-5654.
If you would like to donate blood for the injured victims of the Strip shooting visit the Labor Health & Welfare Clinic, 7135 W. Sahara.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.