In an editorial published on Tuesday, the Las Vegas Sun newspaper acknowledged the devastation caused by the mass shooting on its famous Strip that resulted in 59 deaths and more than 500 injured. But the writers also found hope in the heroes who emerged from what is certain to be their city’s darkest hour.
Our hearts ache for the victims of the unspeakable tragedy that occurred Sunday night in our community, and there will be many more hard days to come for Las Vegas,” the editorial begins. “But as we grieve for those who were killed or injured and pray for their families, we also must recognize the heroes that emerged from throughout our community in the face of horror.
Reacting to the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history, Las Vegas residents bravely and selflessly rushed in to help. No questions. No hesitation. They saw people in need, and they went to their aid.
Whether they were concertgoers comforting the wounded, law enforcement officers and first responders rushing in to protect the crowd, good Samaritans using private vehicles to take shooting victims to hospitals, or health care professionals working around the clock to aid the flood of more than 500 injured innocents, heroism was everywhere in Las Vegas.
The heroes, according the the newspaper, ranged from people who attended the country music concert helping other concertgoers who were hurt, using belts and bandanas as tourniquets, or helping others escape the bloody scene.
“There were angels in that crowd, and they saved lives,” the editorial said.
The newspaper also praised police and other first responders “who ran toward the gunfire while others were running away.”
Then there were the usually bustling casinos that became shelters for those seeking safety from the chaos that was unfolding outside, including Mandalay Bay — where the shooter launched his attack — and other MGM Resorts International properties.
“Heroes, one and all,” the editorial added.
The newspaper also praised the medical community that worked around the clock to treat the injured and not only did the city open a shelter in the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada, they noted more “heroes emerged” by way of the hundreds of people who brought donations of water, blankets and other items.
In addition, the GoFundMe effort that was set up, as of publication time, had raised $2.8 million to help the victims and their families.
The editorial concludes that even in the darkness it faced, the City of Lights showed it true brightness.
A tragedy that will never be forgotten yielded a community response that won’t, either. Las Vegas showed what it truly is, and it’s more than a place that offers people an escape from reality. It’s a place where, when confronted with the ugliest of realities, we pour out our hearts, make sacrifices to aid those in need and work even harder to serve others.”
We should never forget the victims of Oct. 1, 2017. But as we embark on the long process of healing, we can find warmth in the compassion with which our community treated them. God bless Las Vegas.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.