Newly-released documents from the FBI have unveiled fresh details about Stephen Paddock, the perpetrator of the October 1, 2017 Las Vegas shooting. A fellow gambler told investigators the gunman was angry at casinos for how they treated him and other high-roller customers.
Gunman Frustrated at How Casinos Treated High Rollers
According to FBI files, Paddock had been banned from three casinos in Reno, Nevada prior to the attack. The ban was among measures implemented by casinos to avoid high-stakes gamblers who play well and win large sums of money. Paddock, along with other VIP patrons, had also been stripped of loyalty benefits, such as free cruises and flights, in the years leading up to the mass shooting.
Paddock may have taken his frustration out on the massive crowd at the Route 91 Harvest music festival, the gambler stated. He opened fire at the large audience from his Mandalay Bay hotel suite, killing 60 people and leaving hundreds of others hurt.
Las Vegas Police Defend Inconclusive Findings
Investigations by Las Vegas authorities found no clear motive behind the attack. Paddock’s casino links were not considered a potential angle for the crime and the local police are defending their inconclusive findings despite the recent publication of the FBI documents.