As everyone knows by now, a gunman with a stash of high-powered rifles, killed at least 59 people, wounding more than 520, at a country music festival on the Las Vegas strip.
Law enforcement officers from multiple Western U.S. agencies, many in Southern California—most off duty, some on—were among the dead and wounded.
An off-duty Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer, Charleston Hartfield, who was attending the concert, was one of those killed by the gunman, Stephen Paddock, 64, who shot down at the concert goers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. First responders acted quickly and a SWAT team raced toward the still-firing gunman, who died of a gunshot wound that was reportedly self-inflicted before the team of officers burst through his hotel room door.
Charleston Hartfield of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell confirmed early Monday morning that two off-duty members of his department were among those shot in the horrific sniper rampage. Both were transferred to a local hospital. One was in critical condition, the other was reportedly stable.
One off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer, who is assigned to the department’s Foothill Division, was shot in the leg in the mass-shooting and was expected to recover, said department spokesperson Rosario Herrera.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas tweeted a statement Monday morning stating least seven off-duty members were attending concert event on Sunday, where two LA firefighters were reportedly shot, but are expected to recover.
A Newport Beach off-duty police officer was also wounded in Sunday night’s shooting, but reportedly not seriously.
Yet, an off-duty Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputy was “severely wounded by gunshots to the abdomen and thigh,” according to the Assn. of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs. Two of the OC deputies’ wives were also shot, but their wounds were not life threatening, the AOCDS said.
A Manhattan Beach Police Department records technician, Rachel Parker, was also among those shot and killed. A sworn officer of the MBPD, who was off duty, was also shot, but the officer’s injuries were described as “minor.”
A Riverside county sheriff’s department employee was another among the injured, as was a Bakersfield police officer, who was wounded in the gunfire and was taken to a hospital for treatment, and a 24-year-old Ontario police officer who was wounded is “stable.”
Updated Oct. 2, 2017, at 4:38 p.m.
Condolences to the families and colleagues of those that have died. A tragic day in our history. Wishing a smooth recovery to all that were wounded and many thanks to all of the first responders that have worked so tirelessly. Without your dedication, this would have been even worse.
It is tragic situation and wish a quick recovery to the wunded deputies. I don’t mean any disrespect to anyone, however, I am concerned about the possibility that “fresh eyes” and Terán May have already sent IAB to interview the wunded deputies. It sounds like a sick preposition but that it is how these two run the department. I really hope they don’t try to put a case on them for any policy violation, name it being in possession of weapons, drinking alcohol, being there etc. They can always make stuff up to get this deputies clearly victims in this incident, as subjects of policy violations. It would not be the first time, they have done other deputies dirty.
Well Well. Looks like the Sheriff and his posse of Tanaka misfits will be in Vegas to look in on our people. I guess they’ll be hitting the tables and buffets on our dollar again. Let’s see if IAB can come up with some policy violations.
I continue watching sheriff Lombardo in Las Vegas and I have noticed he may not be wearing brass buckles, however his command presence is impressive. I would work a radio car with him any time. Imagine Sheriff McBuckles dealing with this type of situation, he would buckle. McBuckled was not a real police officer, I would not work with him unless forced to, he is a weak politician not a peace officer.
I agree, Sheriff Lombardo has been very impressive throughout. He has been professional, pragmatic and genuine in his handling of this horrific tragedy. It’s refreshing to see a true law enforcement leader operate versus a politicaly minded opportunist.
Nott to minimize Sheriff Lombardo, but the same was initially said about former Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona and Arizona’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Go figure.
Comparing Joe Arpaio and Mike Corona boarders on blasphemy. The two are not even in the same universe with respect to the performance of their duties while in office. Sheriff Joe Arpaio was trying to do the right thing in opposition to the power trip of political judges. Sheriff Joe still maintained dignity and integrity once he was voted out of office. Crooked Corona was not trying to do the right thing except to abuse his power, look out for himself and take care of his political cronies. Hence he was removed from office.
Carona, Baca and Arpaio were all once heralded, now each one of them are convicts. Who cares.