“Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo has named Stephen Paddock as the suspected gunman in the Las Vegas shooting. The 64-year-old white man was found dead by officers in his hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay, where ‘numerous firearms’ were discovered.” Paddock apparently was found to have committed suicide in his hotel room by police officers who burst into his hotel room.
Little is known about the Mesquite, Nevada man so far. Media speculation will, no doubt, center on his political beliefs and affiliations. If this situation runs true to form, it will be assumed by all of the expert talking heads that he’s a NRA member and former Tea Party activist…right up until it’s determined that his beliefs and motives were diametrically opposed to those (case in point, baseball shooter James Hodgkinson).
Again, speculation as to any political or other motive this soon in an investigation is fruitless and irresponsible. So we’re sure to see plenty of it in the hours and days to come.
