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Donald Trump condemns Vegas shooting as 'act of pure evil' and says US faces 'dark times'

President Donald Trump makes a statement about the mass shooting in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump makes a statement about the mass shooting in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Donald Trump has said that ‘America will always come together’ in response to the Las Vegas shooting.

In a statement made at the White House, the President said he was praying for every American affected by the tragedy.

“My fellow Americans, we are joined together today in sadness, shock and grief.” he said.

“We are praying for you and we are here for you. God lives in the hearts of those who grieve.

“I know we are searching for some kind of meaning in the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness. The answers do not come easy.

“We can take solace that even the darkest space can be brightened by a single light, and even the most terrible despair can be lightened by a single ray of hope.”

Mr Trump thanked the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for their ‘courageous efforts’.

His speech included scriptures and called on God’s support, but did not touch on the controversial subject of gun control.

“May God give us the grace to heal,” he continued, “and may God provide the grieving families with the strength to carry on. Thank you, and God bless America.”

He added that he will visit Las Vegas on Wednesday.

He earlier tweeted his response to the Las Vegas shooting, the deadliest in modern American history, six hours after the gunman opened fire on a crowd at a music festival.

He wrote: “My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!”

At least 58 people are dead and 515 injured after 64-year-old Stephen Paddock gunned down crowds attending a country music concert. He was shot dead by police.

The Vegas shooting is the worst US mass shooting in modern history. (PA)
The Vegas shooting is the worst US mass shooting in modern history. (PA)

The tweet already received thousands of replies calling for gun control reforms. The President has also faced criticism for taking so long to respond to the shocking attack.

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White House spokesman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that Mr Trump has been briefed about the ‘horrific tragedy in Las Vegas.’

Boris Johnson released a statement about the tragedy.

The Foreign Secretary said: ‘I am horrified by the awful attack at a music festival in Las Vegas this morning.

‘The United Kingdom stands with the American people against this indiscriminate violence. My thoughts are with all those caught up in it.

‘The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is in contact with Las Vegas authorities to establish whether any British people were caught up in the attack and we are ready to help however we can. Any British people in Las Vegas should follow the instructions of local authorities.’