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Boston Police: Las Vegas shooter researched locations including Fenway

BOSTON — The Las Vegas shooter who killed nearly 60 people and wounded more than 500 at a concert Sunday reportedly researched locations in Boston.

According to the Associated Press, in August, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock booked a room at Chicago's Blackstone Hotel, what overlooked where the Lollapalooza music festival was being held that weekend. Officials say there was no evidence Paddock ever went to Chicago that weekend.

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Now, officials are looking into reports that Paddock also researched locations in Boston including Fenway Park and the Boston Center for Performing Arts.

"We just have information that he was on possible sites looking at Boston there's nothing to indicate he made it here or he ever stepped foot in Boston.  All we know is he was looking at sites in the area of Fenway Park," Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said.

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Governor Charlie Baker spoke Thursday, saying, "There is no evidence of an imminent threat that has anything to do with Massachusetts."

Boston 25 Live Stream

Gov. Baker addressing reports that Las Vegas shooter researched locations in Boston.

Posted by Boston 25 News on Thursday, October 5, 2017

The spokesperson for the Boston Red Sox said they are stepping up security as a precaution:

"We are aware of the media reports. The FBI has requested all inquiries be referred directly to them. While there is currently no credible threat to Fenway Park according to public safety agencies, the Red Sox have been working with city, state, and federal officials on increased security measures for postseason games at Fenway Park."

Harold Shaw, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division sent Boston 25 the following statement:

“The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department along with the FBI has been investigating the attack in Las Vegas and we are following the evidence in search of the facts.  Our sympathy is with the many victims, their families and friends in this difficult time. 
 
As the investigation continues, law enforcement authorities are assessing evidence to determine a motive.  Without commenting on specific evidence, we understand information may come to light that we are pursuing to determine its relevance.  We will not speculate and will make final determinations when we have all of the facts.  
 
We have no information to indicate any additional threat. We always work with our federal, state and local partners to ensure the safety of the public and continue to do so.   

The FBI Boston Division is actively assessing intelligence and at this time has no information indicating specific and credible threats to any segment to our community.

The safety and security of the people of Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island is our top priority and we work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to share and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. In that light, we urge the public to report any and all suspicious activity. 

Rest assured, the FBI Boston Division is postured to assist this investigation in any way that’s necessary. We’ll be working closely with the Boston Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, and all of our law enforcement partners to fully investigate any and all potential leads that stem from the ongoing investigation in Las Vegas.  We’ve been in constant contact with Boston Police and Massachusetts State Police since the Las Vegas shooting. Any possible nexus to Boston discovered during the ongoing investigation has and will be immediately briefed to the Boston Police Department, and other affected law enforcement agencies.”

There is no word on if Paddock ever actually visited Boston.