Flags at half-mast at CSN
By Denzel Apangchan, Trey Arline, Taylor Bandy, Taylor Cayro, Brianna Fayerverger, Tatiana Orellana-Tercero, Anneth V. Ortega, Kalani Reyes, Mike Sloan, Tatiana Solomon
Mass shooting near Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino took place last night at a music festival leaving hundreds injured and dozens dead. College of Southern Nevada’s community is in shock.
Live Nation’s Route 91 Harvest country-music festival sadly saw a horrific end on Sunday night. At 10:08 p.m. a gunman opened fire on a crowd of 22,000 people. Allegedly Stephen Craig Paddock, 64 year old of Mesquite, Nev., shot multiple victims while unleashing a barrage of fire from his 32nd-floor hotel-room window at the Mandalay Bay. Police later found 10 guns including several rifles in his room.
As of noon on Monday, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s press release, there is an estimated 515 people transported to hospitals and 58 fatalities.
There is a somber environment on CSN’s campus today in reaction to events.
“I’m actually really scared,” said Jiselle Mendora, CSN nursing student. “I never thought this would happen because I usually see this happen in other countries and it is getting so close.”
“I am in shock because I have family who work by that area,” said Patricia Chiong, CSN student. “I couldn’t sleep because you never know what could happen so I was praying and hoping for their safety.”
“It made me think you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Jose Talamantes, Express Café employee.
Daniela Munafo, cashier at CSN bookstore, said, “I’m shocked, don’t know what to do, scared to go to school. Who is going to protect us now?”
Although there are fears of safety, CSN campuses have not been affected. In response to last night’s tragic events on the Strip, CSN has increased resources.
CSN Police Chief Darryl Caraballo said, “We are always here on patrol on campus; however, we have upped our presence just to maintain safety and order.”
“Our police department at CSN got together and executed a plan to alleviate the stress of the students and faculty and let them know we are here for them,” said Bobby Barajas, police officer.
“Our police are trained and ready to respond,” said Michael Flores, director of external affairs at CSN. “Metro has offered to provide us extra assistance.”
In response to the shooting, Flores added, “I don’t think we can say enough about our first responders and all they have done. This could have been a lot worse.”
In times of crisis, communities tend to come together. We are seeing this in Las Vegas.
“I think Vegas is a small town and everyone knows everyone in some way so everyone was affected, and I feel like we all feel that and this will bring us all together,” said Delaney Platt, CSN student.
For those interested in helping the community in response to last night, consider donating blood. Rachel Lilly, secretary at CSN, plans on doing that tonight.
Additionally in order to continue to maintain safety and vigilance on campus, download CSN’s MobileSAFETY app, which provides notifications, alerts and resources.
Coyote Student News at the College of Southern Nevada 