The whole country was bewildered on late Sunday night (Monday 1 a.m. EST), as it was reported that a shooting incident happened in Las Vegas, that left at least 50 people dead, and hundreds injured. It was the biggest mass shooting incident in the history of the U.S., where innocent lives were killed by a gunman from his hotel room at the Mandalay Bay.
Thousands of concertgoers flocked the outside of the hotel to watch a country music show, and everything was normal until around 10 p.m. local time. Then gunshots were heard non-stop, which resulted to a near stampede, as everyone rushed to safety, fear for their lives.
Members of the NBA community took to their Twitter accounts to give their thoughts and prayers to all the victims of the unfortunate incident. Players like Chris Paul, LeBron James, Andrew Bogut, Jordan Clarkson, Dwight Howard and Tobias Harris, among others, offered their prayers and tried to raise awareness, also making it known that they condemn the unwanted violence that left many victimized.
My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this horrific incident. #PrayForVegas pic.twitter.com/OXxvjxfseR
— Chris Paul (@CP3) October 2, 2017
Pray for Vegas!! 🤦🏾♂️. What the hell is going on people!?!? My prayers sent to the heavens above for all the families 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/wDpwZ7g4Pz
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/andrewbogut/status/914737255826071552
https://twitter.com/JordanClarksons/status/914746049574584320
Article Continues BelowLord,, Hear Our Prayers !! 🙏🏾 https://t.co/AMmFxLhHaj
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) October 2, 2017
I can't understand the state of mind of some in today's world. It's seriously sickening. My prayers go out to Las Vegas at this time.
— τobias Harris (@tobias31) October 2, 2017
Praying for those families of the people killed in Las Vegas. Hurt my heart to see stuff like that. 😞😞
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) October 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/Isaiah_Thomas/status/914842861631352833
Goodmorning, continue to keep love in our hearts. Spread love always. My heart out to all those affected by Vegas shooting. #prayforpeace
— Iman. (@imanshumpert) October 2, 2017
The gunman has already been identified as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock of Mesquite, Neveda. Police rushed to his hotel room immediately, according to NBC News, where they found several weapons. It is believed that the violence is connected to international terrorism, although the investigation is still ongoing.
Players have been more vocal these days and are not afraid to speak their minds, especially about social issues the country is facing. It can be expected that more of them will also make their opinions known publicly about the incident, as this is clearly one of the darkest days in U.S. history.