The 2017 Las Vegas shooting, which killed 60 people and injured hundreds, remains the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. While official investigations by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) concluded that Stephen Paddock acted alone with no clear motive, conspiracy theories have persisted, including recent claims by FBI whistleblower Steve Friend. Here’s a breakdown of the facts and allegations:
### Official Findings
1.
The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit spent 12 months reviewing Paddock’s background, relationships, and actions. Their 2019 report[1] found:
– Paddock had .
– He , with no evidence of collaboration or prior warning to others.
– His attack was not directed, inspired, or enabled by any group or foreign entity.
The LVMPD’s final 2018 report[10] echoed these conclusions, stating there was and . Paddock died by suicide before law enforcement breached his hotel room.
2.
Investigators found for the attack. Paddock left no manifesto, and his private nature complicated efforts to pinpoint his reasoning[4]. A witness claimed Paddock made anti-government remarks about “FEMA camps” and arming the public[8], but the FBI did not classify this as a primary motivator.
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### Conspiracy Theories
1.
FBI whistleblower Steve Friend recently alleged[3][6] that Paddock might have been to sell weapons to terrorist groups through casino operations. Friend speculated that Paddock’s attack was linked to these dealings, though he provided to support the claim.
2.
Previous theories falsely tied Paddock to:
– : Right-wing commentators claimed he targeted a country music festival to attack Trump supporters[2][5].
– : The terrorist group falsely took credit, but the FBI found [4][5].
– : Conspiracy theorists baselessly asserted the shooting was staged to advance gun control[5].
3.
Despite video evidence and ballistic analysis confirming Paddock acted alone[4], some theorists argue additional gunmen were involved. These claims often cite the rapid gunfire rate, which experts attribute to Paddock’s use of (later banned in 2018)[2].
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### Critical Analysis
– : Steve Friend’s allegations align with Glenn Beck’s history of promoting unverified theories (e.g., Epstein cover-ups, Clinton scandals)[3][6]. The FBI has not corroborated his claims, and official reports remain unchanged.
– : Conspiracy narratives often exploit gaps in public knowledge (e.g., Paddock’s unclear motive) or technical details (e.g., bump stock mechanics). Authorities have repeatedly debunked these claims[2][4][5].
– : Such theories distract from policy discussions on gun control and mental health while undermining trust in law enforcement.
In summary, while questions about Paddock’s motive linger, . The FBI and LVMPD’s rigorous, multi-year investigations remain the authoritative accounts of the tragedy.
