Las Vegas: 59 killed, 527 injured in deadliest shooting in US history, ISIS claims responsibility

One Twitter user reported that the Mandalay was on lockdown. Another said that two gunmen were shooting from the 32nd floor of the hotel

At least 59 people, including two police officers, have been killed and over 527wounded in an incident of mass shootout at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas shooting is the deadliest in US history. It surpasses the Orlando shooting at the Pulse nightclub in June 2016 when 49 people were killed.

A statement published by the group's Amaq propaganda agency claimed the attacker was a "soldier of the Islamic State". "The Las Vegas attacker is a soldier of the Islamic State in response to calls to target coalition countries," it said.

Isis also claimed the gunman "converted to Islam several months ago", without providing more details. The wording of the release is similar to other attacks that have been inspired, rather than directed, by Isis.

Menawhile, FBI says Las Vegas shooter had no connection to international terrorist group."As this event unfolds we have determined to this point no connection with an international terrorist group," said Aaron Rouse, the special agent in charge of the Las Vegas office of the FBI.

"We are looking at in excess of 50 individuals dead and over 200 individuals injured ... Obviously this is a tragic incident and one that we have never experienced in this valley. My condolences go out to the loved ones," said Las Vegas Police.

That number for family and friends to get an update on loved ones is 1866 535 5654

Earlier, LVMPD in its media briefing confirmed that "the shooter was local."

The police are looking for two vehicles associated with the shooter: Hyundai Tucson Nevada/114B40 and a Chrysler Pacifica Nevada/79D401.

The shooter was named by police as Stephen Paddock who at 64 years old is the oldest mass shooter in US history. Several rifles were found in his room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel where he fired multiple rounds at the concert goers at the Route 91 harvest country music festival.

The LVMPD has confirmed that one suspect is down in the operation. The police cautioned people not head down to the Strip at this time "as this is an active investigation."

The suspect shooter is dead but his companion Marylou Danley is still at large, according to Joseph Lombardo, the sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan police department.

Marilou Danley is being sought for questioning re the investigation into the active shooter incident. If seen please call 9-1-1! pic.twitter.com/Z83XvcHejH

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017

Joseph Lombardo did not give the name of the dead shooter but confirmed he opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel.

Shooting broke out on Sunday night 10.20pm (local time) during the final performances of the three-day Route 91 Harvest country music festival.

The White House says Donald Trump is being briefed about the shooting. He just put out this tweet to express condolences.

My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2017

Dozens of patrol vehicles descended on the Strip after authorities received reports of an active shooter near the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

Witnesses heard numerous gunshots at the casino hotel, where police tactical teams were searching for the attacker, according to reports on CNN and in the New York Times.

#Visuals At least 2 people dead, 24 injured with suspected gunshot wounds at Las Vegas hospital, reports Reuters pic.twitter.com/whLrersFDa

— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2017

One Twitter user reported that the Mandalay was on lockdown. Another said that two gunmen were shooting from the 32nd floor of the hotel. At least a dozen people were seen fleeing the building, which was reportedly on lockdown.

Active shooter Las Vegas strip I'm ok locked in my room lights off windows closed. Shooter is directly across the street. Shots heard on vid pic.twitter.com/Z4mz3E3bmE

— Bryan Heifner (@HBryanBHHS) October 2, 2017

Concert-goers reported seeing muzzle flashes from the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino across Las Vegas Boulevard from the country music festival and the sound of what they described as automatic gun fire. Twenty-six people were admitted to the hospital, University Medical Center spokeswoman Danita Cohen said.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department tweeted about the incident, saying
"Investigating reports of an active shooter near/around Mandalay Bay Casino. Asking everyone to please avoid the area."

We're investigating reports of an active shooter near/around Mandalay Bay Casino. Asking everyone to please avoid the area. #LVMPDnews

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017

The police requested people not livestream the ongoing operation as it may put their life in danger.

Please do not livestream or share tactical positions of our officers on scene. This may put emergency responders in danger.

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017

(With agency inputs)