Since a shooting at Stoneman Marjory Douglas High School in Florida two weeks ago in which 17 teachers and students were killed, sales of bullet proof backpacks have risen exponentially. One company, Guard Dog Security, reported that it has sold six months’ worth of products in three days. The company is is currently donating a portion of the proceeds from its bulletproof backpack to benefit the families of the victims of the Parkland shooting through the Broward County Education Foundation.
President of the company, Yasir Sheikh, said: ‘It was something we looked at after Sandy Hook. Interest comes in waves and now there’s spike in interest and we’re trying to meet the demand.’ Another brand BulletBlocker, has reportedly sold out of bullet proof backpacks.
The crazed Las Vegas shooter sent his Filipino-born girlfriend overseas in the days before he gunned down 58 people at a country music concert, getting her out of the way so as not to disrupt his murderous plans, the woman's sisters said Wednesday.
Marilou Danley’s sisters told local Australian TV station 7 News Sydney that gunman Stephen Paddock sent Danley to the Philippines before the shooting spree, and denied Danley had prior knowledge of the attack.
This undated photo shows Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock, right, and his brother Eric Paddock. (Courtesy of Eric Paddock via AP)
“She was sent away. She was away so that she will not be there to interfere with what he’s planning,” one of Danley's sisters said.
One of the unidentified women said Danley didn't even know she was headed overseas until Paddock bought a ticket.
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"She didn’t even know that she was going to the Philippines, until Steve said 'Marilou, I found you a cheap ticket to the Philippines,'" she said.
Federal authorities met Danley at Los Angeles International Airport late Tuesday and said they would take a harder look at what she might have known leading up to the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
"No one can put the puzzles together,” Danley’s sister said. “No one except Marilou. Because Steve is not here to talk anymore. Only Marilou can maybe help.”
In the hours after Paddock opened fire, a dragnet was launched for Danley and she was considered a "person of interest." But officials soon concluded she did not play a direct role in the attack and was out of the country when it occurred. They removed the "person of interest" designation, though authorities said they still wanted to talk to Danley.
As the investigation progressed, however, Danley was once again considered a "person of interest," leading many to wonder what she may have known about Paddock's deadly intentions and when she may have known it.
"[Danley] probably was even [more] shocked than us because she is … closer to him than us," one of Danley's sisters said. "To be able to find out [that] the person you love and live with can do such a thing. And you thought you knew the person yourself."
Danley, 62, was in the Philippines on Sunday when Paddock opened fire from his hotel room, killing 58 and injuring at least 515. Earlier it was believed Paddock killed 59, but a coroner clarified Tuesday that one of those counted among the dead had been Paddock himself.
An Australian citizen, Danley was born in the Philippines and lived in Mesquite, Nev. with Paddock.
Days before the shooting, Paddock transferred $100,000 to the Philippines, a U.S. official told the Associated Press. That official was briefed by law enforcement but not authorized to speak publicly because of the continuing investigation.
Investigators were still trying to trace the money and also looking into a least a dozen financial reports over the past several weeks that indicated Paddock gambled more than $10,000 per day, the official said.
Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo said Tuesday he was “absolutely” confident authorities would determine what set off Paddock. He added authorities “anticipate some information from [Danley] shortly.”
The Reno Gazette-Journal reported Danley has worked as a high-limit hostess at the Atlantis Casino Resort and Spa in Reno, Nev. The resort told the paper that Danley left her job years ago and it had no information on the gunman or his girlfriend.
The report said Danley was married to Geary Danley in Las Vegas in 1990. They divorced in 2015.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for a shooting in which a 64-year-old American man killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 400 in Las Vegas, but U.S. officials said there was no evidence so far linking the gunman to any international militant group.
In its claim, Islamic State said the gunman had converted to Islam a few months ago, according to the group's news agency Amaq.
U.S. officials said American security agencies were examining the claim of responsibility.
"The Las Vegas attack was carried out by a soldier of the Islamic State and he carried it out in response to calls to target states of the coalition," Amaq news agency said in reference to the U.S.-led coalition fighting the group in the Middle East.
U.S. authorities said the gunman, who lived in a retirement home in Mesquite, Nevada, and was armed with more than 10 rifles, opened fire on a Las Vegas country music festival on Sunday night from a 32nd-floor window.
The man, identified by police as Stephen Paddock, killed himself before police entered the hotel room he was shooting from, police said.
Two senior U.S. government officials told Reuters that Paddock's name was not on any database of suspected terrorists. There was reason to believe that Paddock had a history of psychological problems, one official said.
President Trump on Monday condemned the mass shooting in Las Vegas.
"It was an act of pure evil," he said at the White House.
Trump said he would travel to Las Vegas Wednesday to meet with first responders and victims.
PICS ABOVE: Crime scene tape surrounds the Mandalay Hotel (background) after a gunman killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 200 others when he opened fire on a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 2, 2017. Police said the gunman, a 64-year-old local resident named as Stephen Paddock, had been killed after a SWAT team responded to reports of multiple gunfire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay, a hotel-casino next to the concert venue.Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images
Crime scene tape surrounds the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017. On Sunday night, a gunman killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 400 others when he opened fire on a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. Police said the gunman, a 64-year-old local resident named as Stephen Paddock, was killed after a SWAT team responded to reports of gunfire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay, a hotel-casino next to the concert venue.
The president thanked first responders and police for reacting so quickly, crediting them with saving many lives. He also sought to offer comfort to families of victims.
"We are here for you and we are praying for you," he said.
Trump said the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are working closely with local authorities to assist with the investigation and will provide updates.
The deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history sent Trump scrambling to respond. The White House added the remarks to his schedule Monday morning and scrapped a planned event on regulation.
The president was briefed earlier on the shooting at a country music festival, which left 50 dead and more than 400 injured late Sunday night.
Trump first responded on Twitter, offering his "warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting."
The alleged gunman, Stephen Paddock, opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, which is next to the concert site. The 64-year-old Paddock was found dead in a hotel room, police said.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, the House majority whip, is in critical condition, hospital officials said Wednesday evening, after he and three others were shot by a gunman this morning while members of Congress were practicing for a charity baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia.
Officers returned fire at the suspect, who has since died, authorities said.
In addition to Scalise, a lobbyist, a congressional staffer and a Capitol Police officer were also shot.
And an additional two individuals -- a congressman and a Capitol Police officer -- sustained secondary injuries.
Shawn Thew/EPA
People gather near the scene of a shooting at the Republican Congressional baseball team practice in Alexandria, Va, June 14, 2017.
Scalise's office said he was shot in the hip and underwent surgery.
"Prior to entering surgery, the Whip was in good spirits and spoke to his wife by phone," his office said in a statement. "He is grateful for the brave actions of U.S. Capitol Police, first responders, and colleagues. We ask that you keep the Whip and others harmed in this incident in your thoughts and prayers."
MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the facility treating Scalise, issued a statement updating the public on his condition Wednesday evening.
"Congressman Steve Scalise sustained a single rifle shot to the left hip. The bullet traveled across his pelvis, fracturing bones, injuring internal organs, and causing severe bleeding," the statement reads. "He underwent immediate surgery, and an additional procedure to stop bleeding. He has received multiple units of blood transfusion. His condition is critical, and he will require additional operations."
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived at the hospital flowers Wednesday evening where Trump sat by Scalise's bedside and met with his wife Jennifer, as well as Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner, who was also wounded in the attack, and her wife.
Trump tweeted, "Just left hospital. Rep. Steve Scalise, one of the truly great people, is in very tough shape - but he is a real fighter. Pray for Steve!"
House Majority Whip. Steve Scalise speaks to the media, May 17, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
Law enforcement identified the suspected shooter as James Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Illinois. His wife told newsmen, however, that he had been living in Alexandria for the past two months, but he had not been working and was expected to return to Illinois in the coming days. FBI Special Agent in Charge Tim Slater said at a press conference this afternoon that Hodgkinson had been living out of a white cargo van in Alexandria.
St. Clair County Sheriff
James Hodgkins of Belleville, Ill., is pictured in a booking photo from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department dated Dec. 31, 1992.
The shooting took place around 7 a.m. at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park, where a number of lawmakers were practicing for the annual charity congressional baseball game set for Thursday. Only Republicans were at this practice. The park is located about seven miles away from the White House.
Matt Mika, who works as a lobbyist for Tyson Foods, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is in the ICU in critical condition, his family said in a statement.
Tyson Foods
Matt Mika, who works as a lobbyist for Tyson Foods, was shot June 14, 2017, in Alexandria, Va., when a gunman opened fire on a baseball field where congressmen where gathered.
A Tyson Foods spokesperson said Mika, director of government relations for its Washington, D.C., office, has worked for Tyson Foods for more than six years.
Mika, a former college baseball and football player, was helping with practice, Tyson Foods said.
"While the attack today was a terrible surprise, Matt’s presence on the ball field, helping longtime colleagues and friends was not," Mika's family said. "He is a very thoughtful, fun-loving person who is competitive and loyal; all things which contributed to his continued commitment to the Congressional Baseball Game.”
Zachary Barth, a legislative correspondent working for Texas Rep. Roger Williams, was also among those shot, according to a statement from the congressman. Williams said Barth was treated and released from the hospital and is "on the road to recovery."
Barth is not on the Republican baseball team but was helping the lawmakers train for the game, a family spokesperson said.
Zack Barth/Facebook
Zack Barth seen in the undated Facebook photo.
Barth's family spokesperson said a bullet went through his calf, and after he was shot, he allegedly saw the gunman aiming at him. Barth then dove for the dugout, where he grabbed a belt to wrap around his leg to stem the blood flow, the family spokesperson said. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, also helped Barth, Williams said.
Williams, who is the team's coach and injured his leg and ankle diving to safety in the dugout, told reporters this afternoon that even though Barth was bleeding, he continued texting from the dugout, letting people know they needed help.
In addition to Griner, David Bailey was identified as the second injured Capitol Police officer, according to House Speaker Paul Ryan.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Matthew Verderosa said Griner was shot in the ankle and is in good condition, while Bailey was treated for a minor injury and released.
Williams was emotional at a news conference this afternoon, saying Griner and Bailey prevented what "could have easily been 25 deaths or more."
Verderosa said, “I want to commend Special Agents Crystal Griner, David Bailey, and Henry Cabrera for their heroic and appropriate response. ... The United States Capitol Police is dedicated to its mission to protect the U.S. Capitol, Members of Congress, staff and the visiting public, and today we saw how our officers’ extensive training and quick response saved lives."
Rep. Joe Barton, R-Tex., who was at the scene, said the gunman was shooting at people on the field and Capitol Police officers ran toward the shooter and returned fire. He said the incident lasted about 10 minutes.
Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Alabama, told CNN of the shooting this morning, "I was on deck about to hit ... and I hear, 'Bam.' And I look around and behind third base ... I see a rifle.
“At the same time I hear Steve Scalise over near second base scream," Brooks added. "He was shot."
Michael Reynolds/EPA
Rep. Roger Williams receives medical attention from first responders on the scene following a shooting in Alexandria, Va., June 14, 2017.
Brooks said he took off his belt and he and another congressman applied a tourniquet to try to slow the bleeding.
Brooks said a security detail returned fire at the active shooter. Brooks estimated that 50 to 100 shots were fired.
At least 21 members of Congress were at this morning's baseball practice, including Scalise and two U.S. senators. All members of the GOP baseball team have been accounted for. Staffers and family members were also there; Rep. Barton said his 10-year-old son was there when the shooting broke out. At a news conference this afternoon Barton was emotional, saying his son had "25 dads today" as everyone looked out for him when the gunfire began.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Investigators gather near the scene where fires were shot near where congressmen were gathered, June 14, 2017 in Alexandria, Va.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, told ABC News he was in the batting cage when he heard an isolated gunshot.
Then "a burst of gunfire" erupted, Paul said. "At that point, people were dropping. Scalise was shot around second base and he crawled a little bit into the outfield."
Paul said Scalise's security detail exchanged fire with the active shooter.
"These guys were real heroes and I think without them everybody probably would have been killed," Paul said. "Steve Scalise is in leadership and that's the only reason there was security detail there at all. I'm sad that he was shot but he actually saved everybody's life by being there."'
Cliff Owen/AP Photo
Police and emergency personnel near the scene in Alexandria, Va., June 14, 2017.
Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, an Iraq War veteran, told Fox News that once the shooting stopped he administered aid to Scalise, putting a compression on his wound.
"I felt I was back in Iraq but without my weapon," he told Fox News.
Wenstrup said Scalise "was as brave as he could possibly be. He said, 'I'm thirsty.' Obviously, you don't know how much fluid he may be losing internally."
Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Illinois, told ABC News he saw "the bravery of the two Capitol Police officers that engaged the shooter that saved the lives of every single person there. ... Without them there, this would have been a massacre."
Shawn Thew/EPA
Republican Senator from Arizona Jeff Flake hugs another member of the Republican congressional baseball team following a shooting in Alexandria, Va., June 14, 2017.
Davis said his message to the shooter is, "We are the greatest country in the history of the world. We have freedoms that many on this globe wish they would have, and you took those freedoms and tried to take lives. And you didn't succeed, and there is a warm place in hell for you, too."
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Rep. Roger Williams is wheeled away by emergency medical service personnel from the Eugene Simpson Stadium Park June 14, 2017 in Alexandria, Va., following a shooting at the park.
At a news conference this morning, Alexandria Police Chief Mike Brown assured residents that the community is safe.
The FBI is leading the investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is conducting traces on one rifle and one handgun recovered from the scene.
Authorities said in a statement this afternoon that "The FBI is actively investigating Hodgkinson to include his associates, whereabouts, social media impressions, and potential motivations," and anyone with information about him is asked to call the FBI.
Cliff Owen/AP
A Capitol Hill Police officer walks past an automobile with the driver's window damaged at the scene of a shooting in Alexandria, Va., June 14, 2017, where House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of La. was shot at a Congressional baseball practice.
In an on-camera statement earlier Wednesday, Trump spoke directly to Scalise, saying, "Steve, I want you to know that you have the prayers, not only of the entire city behind you, but of an entire nation and frankly, the entire world."
Trump added, "We may have our differences, but we do well in times like these to remember that everyone who serves in our nation's capital is here because above all, they love our country."
Ryan said on the House floor Tuesday afternoon, "We are united in our shock. We are united in our anguish and attack on one of us is an attack on all of us."
Rep. Ruben Kihuen, D-Nevada, tweeted a photo of Democrats praying for their Republican baseball colleagues.
The Democratic and Republican baseball teams are expected to have dinner together tonight at The Democratic Club.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said this morning, "We’re deeply saddened. We’re all concerned for those injured. We’ll keep them in our prayers and send them our wish for a quick and full recovery."
He added, "The congressional baseball game is a bipartisan charity event. I know the Senate will embrace that today as we come together to express our concern and our gratitude."
The game will go on Thursday evening as planned at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-California, tweeted, "We will play for charity, but also for the victims & the heroic officers who took down the shooter."
Trump will not attend Thursday's game because of concerns over security and last minute security requirements, a White House official said.
Former member of Congress Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in 2011, said in a statement today, "It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or a Republican, nor if you're a senator or a representative, nor a staffer or a sworn officer. If you serve the institution of Congress, you're connected to your colleagues, current and former, by a shared sense of service to ideals far greater than yourself. This shooting is an attack on all who serve and on all who participate in our democracy."
Giffords adds, “I am heartbroken for the pain of Congressman Scalise, the other victims, and their family, friends, and colleagues who survived. I am thankful for the great courage of the Capitol Police, who were my protectors after I was shot and became my friends. I also know the courage it takes to recover from a shooting like this, and I know Steve and everyone there this morning have such courage in great supply. May all Americans come together today with prayers for the survivors, love for their friends and family, and the courage to go about everyday making this country its best. Our nation is resilient, and we always come back stronger.”
© AP Photo/Evan Vucci President Donald Trump makes a statement about the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Monday, Oct. 2, 
