The 3rd Anniversary of Route 91 Harvest Festival Shooting - Statement by Vice President Joe Biden

On October 1, 2017, Las Vegas was struck by tragedy when a gunman opened fire on the Route 91 Harvest Festival, killing 60 people and wounding hundreds more in what remains the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. It was an act of pure malice, and yet another appalling act of gun violence – the kind that takes the lives of 100 Americans every day.

Rather than let tragedy define the city, Nevadans did what you always do in hard times — you were resilient.

In the aftermath of the shooting, we heard stories of residents putting their own lives at risk to provide aid to the wounded and community members lining the streets to donate blood. First responders and emergency room workers saved lives. The community came together around being #VegasStrong — raising funds for families of victims and survivors’ medical costs, and within days of the shooting working to construct a memorial to honor victims.

The story of Nevada’s resilience reflects the spirit of America that I know. On this solemn day, Jill, Kamala, Doug and I pray for the victims of the Route 91 shooting and their families, as well as the survivors and first responders carrying this experience with them today.