Institute for a Progressive Nevada Honors Victims and Calls for Policy Changes Ahead of Route 91 Harvest Festival Mass Shooting Anniversary

LAS VEGAS, NV - Tomorrow is the eighth anniversary of the deadliest mass shooting in American history. The Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting took place on October 1st, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Las Vegas community was devastated by this event, and many groups have worked to enact policy changes to prevent future mass shooting incidents. From background checks to extreme risk protection orders, advocates and legislators have worked to address gun violence since this horrific incident.

Amber Falgout, Communications Director of the Institute for a Progressive Nevada, issued the following statement:

“As always, tomorrow is a reminder of the toll gun violence takes on our communities. Eight years ago, our community awoke to the devastating news of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas. The images and stories from that night remain with us, and we honor the lives lost, the survivors, their families, first responders, and all who have supported the lifelong healing process.

In the years since, Nevada has continued to explore a range of approaches to reduce gun violence and strengthen community safety. Legislators, such as Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui, also a 1 October survivor, have leveraged their experience to advocate for reform. During the most recent legislative session, Assemblymember Jauregui sponsored AB 105 and AB 245, which aimed to prohibit firearms at election sites and limit certain firearm purchases and possession to individuals aged 21 and above. Senator Julie Pazina carried SB 89, which would have updated Nevada hate crimes laws to prevent individuals convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes from possessing firearms for ten years following conviction. Still, these measures did not become law after being vetoed by the Governor.

Tomorrow is more than an anniversary. It is a moment to reflect on resilience, support survivors, and recommit to strategies that can help prevent violence and keep Nevadans safe. Our organization remains dedicated to education, outreach, and collaboration across perspectives to promote a safer, healthier Nevada for all.”

ABOUT THE ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL MASS SHOOTING AND GUN VIOLENCE: On October 1st, 2017, Stephen Paddock opened fire on concertgoers in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 61 people eventually died, and hundreds of other people were injured. Following the mass shooting, Assemblywoman Jauregui, a survivor and legislator, pushed for several gun violence prevention policies, including background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and banning ghost guns.

The Institute for a Progressive Nevada (IPN), a nonpartisan organization committed to evidence-based policies and community safety, recently updated a white paper, “Gun Violence Prevention Efforts in Nevada: A Policy Brief," authored by Research Manager Lisa Lynn Chapman, JD. The report was updated to reflect the outcome of the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session. During the session, several key gun violence prevention bills were passed and vetoed by Governor Lombardo.

SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH

###

About Institute for a Progressive Nevada: Institute for a Progressive Nevada, through strategic communication efforts, educates, empowers, and engages Nevada voters to build a state where everyone has a fair opportunity to succeed.