Poker World Condemns Las Vegas Mass Shooting
Reports say that at least 59 people were killed and nearly 500 wounded when a shooter fired on 22,000 Jason Aldean concert visitors on world-renowned Las Vegas Strip Sunday night.
The shooter opened fire using long-range rifle from the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay Hotel and early Monday police identified him as a 64-year-old Stephen Craig Paddock.
Paddock, a Nevada resident, died of self-inflicted wounds, had no criminal record and wasn’t connected to terrorism but critics of the media coverage of the event say that this shooting should be definitely be labeled as an act of domestic terrorism.
The shooting temporarily blocked flights at the McCarran International Airport, casinos were locked down and MGM resort cancelled Monday shows. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval called the shooting an “act of cowardice” and MGM send “thoughts and prayers” to the victims of the horrific event.
Poker player, Dan Bilzerian was attending the concert at the time of the shooting and posted first-handed video to his 22.7 million followers on Instagram. The video shows Dan running after apparently witnessing a victim got shot in the head. He left grounds to get a gun and head back to help if he could, according to his posts.
After the deadliest shooting in modern United States history, the poker community expressed their emotion and sympathy on social media.
Sarah Herring was at Mandalay Bay few hours prior to incident and condemned the shooting sending her prayers for the victims and their families.
“It is such a shame that the actions of one sick person or one group of sick people can have such a devastating and frightening effect on the lives of so many others. I will be praying for all the innocent people and their loved ones and pray that God would soften the hearts of those who intend to hurt others.”
Mike Leah criticized the fact people are allowed to buy guns legally and asked common people to smarten up. Liv Boeree, Danielle Andersen, Scott Seiver, Phill Hellmuth and Ryan Laplante are among many to show their love and support.
“Can we come together and make a difference in the name of all those lost their opportunity to last night? I urge us all not to get stuck in fear and anger. Separation and hate will only move us backwards. Unity and love will give us a chance to move forward. Who you are, the choices you make and the words you choose are never neutral. You are either contributing to more hate or more love, “ Kristy Arnett wrote on Twitter.
The perpetrator was a passionate gambler himself and according to his brother, he moved from Florida to Mesquite, Nevada a few years ago in order to be closer to Las Vegas gambling. New York Post stated that he was a “degenerate gambler” and quoted his neighbors who often heard him playing video poker all night long. He had no gambling debt and investigation in the weeks ahead will surely shed light on his motives for this dreadful mass shooting.
After this terrifying act life across the gaming community continues as normal today with Global Gaming Expo G2E opening on time and according to schedule despite the torrid event.
