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President Trump: Las Vegas shooting 'an act of pure evil'

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump addressed the nation Monday morning after more than 50 people were killed and a more than 400 were injured in the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history Sunday night in Las Vegas.

MORE: Injuries skyrocket to 400+ in Las Vegas mass shooting; at least 50 killed

A gunman perched on the 32nd floor of a Las Vegas casino unleashed a shower of bullets on an outdoor country music festival below, killing at least 50 people as tens of thousands of concertgoers screamed and ran for their lives, officials said Monday.

"I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all the first responders for helping to save the lives of so many," President Trump said in a statement Monday morning. "Hundreds of our fellow citizens are now mourning the sudden loss of a loved one ... we cannot fathom their pain, we cannot imagine their loss. To the families of the victims, we are praying for you and we are here for you."

It was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history and Trump announced he would be visiting Las Vegas on Wednesday to meet with families, victims and the first responders who were at the scene.

MORE: LAS VEGAS MASS SHOOTING: Collection of eyewitness videos

More than 400 victims were taken to the hospital, authorities said.

"Our unity cannot be shattered by evil," Trump said. "It is our love that defines us today and always will forever."

The brother of the #LasVegas shooter stepped out of his home in Orlando to speak to me and other reporters. Total shock. More here: http://at.wftv.com/2hIV5Gt WFTV Channel 9

Posted by Nancy Alvarez, WFTV on Monday, October 2, 2017

SWAT officers using explosives stormed the gunman's hotel room and found he had killed himself, authorities said.

"Scripture teaches us, the lord is close to the broken-hearted ... we seek comfort in those words," Trump said.

There was no immediate word on the motive for the attack. The U.S. Homeland Security Department said there was no "specific credible threat" involving other public venues in the U.S.

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