Institute for a Progressive Nevada Honors Victims and Calls for Policy Changes on Vegas Festival Mass Shooting Anniversary

LAS VEGAS, NV - Today marks nine years since the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. On October 1, 2017, Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino into a crowd of concertgoers, killing 60 people and injuring more than 400 others. Sadly, the current total of claimed lives is 61, as an individual died later as a result of this tragedy.

Nine years later, the impact of that night continues to be felt by survivors, families of those who were killed, first responders, medical professionals, and communities across Nevada. October 1 remains a day to remember the lives lost, honor those who lived, and recognize the ongoing work to address gun violence.

October 1 reminds us of the extraordinary resilience shown by the people of Nevada. In the middle of unimaginable violence, strangers donated blood, opened their homes, helped evacuate the wounded, and cared for people they had never met.

But remembrance also carries a responsibility.

Shelbie Swartz, Executive Director of the Institute for a Progressive Nevada, issued the following statement:

“Nearly a decade later, October 1 remains a painful reminder of the lives lost and the lasting impact of gun violence on our communities. Since then, Nevada has continued to debate and pursue policies intended to reduce gun violence and strengthen community safety. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers passed three measures addressing firearms, and Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed all three. Anniversaries like this are about more than looking backward. They are also an opportunity to examine what we have learned, how we support survivors and families, and what evidence-based approaches can help prevent future tragedies. The people we lost on October 1 were not statistics. They were loved ones, friends, parents, children, coworkers, and neighbors. Nine years later, we honor their lives by remembering who they were, standing with the people who continue to live with the consequences of that night, and continuing the work of building safer Nevada communities.”

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, updated a white paper, “Gun Violence Prevention Efforts in Nevada: A Policy Brief," 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.