'An Act Of Pure Evil': President Trump Responds To Las Vegas Shooting

WASHINGTON, DC — In the wake of the devastating shooting that killed at least 58 people and left hundreds wounded in Las Vegas late Sunday night, President Trump declared the massacre "an act of pure evil" in a speech Monday morning. You can watch a replay of the speech below, and a full transcript of his remarks appear at the bottom of this article.

"Hundreds of our fellow citizens are now mourning the loss of a loved one," he said. "We cannot fathom their pain or imagine their loss."

The White House reported that Trump was getting frequent updates about the situation. "The President has spoken to the Governor of NV, The Mayor of Las Vegas and the [sheriff]," it said in a statement. "We will continue to update as appropriate."

He praised the work of the police and first responders as "miraculous." (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

"In times such as these, I know we are searching for some kind of meaning in the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness," he continued. "The answers do not come easy. But we can take solace knowing that even the darkest space can be brightened by a single light, and even the most terrible despair can be illuminated by a single ray of hope."

Watch Trump: Las Vegas Shooting An 'Act Of Pure Evil'

In a written statement, the president order flags lowered to half mast:

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless act of violence perpetrated on October 1, 2017, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, October 6, 2017.

Trump added: "In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one. And it always has."

Originally, he had been scheduled to give remarks at 11 a.m. at a deregulation summit, but the White House moved up his speaking time in light of the attack.

"My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting," Trump tweeted Monday morning. "God bless you!" (For more information on this and other political stories, subscribe to the White House Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

The attack was declared the worst mass shooting in the nation's history, surpassing that brutal attacks at the nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida, in June, 2016.

Las Vegas Mass Shooting: At Least 50 Dead, 400 Injured In Worst Shooting In U.S. History, Says Sheriff

On Twitter, the White House put out a statement: "The President has been briefed on the horrific tragedy in Las Vegas. All of those affected are in our thoughts and prayers."

Read the full transcription of the remarks from the press office below:

THE PRESIDENT: My fellow Americans, we are joined together today in sadness, shock, and grief. Last night, a gunman opened fire on a large crowd at a country music concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. He brutally murdered more than 50 people, and wounded hundreds more. It was an act of pure evil.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security are working closely with local authorities to assist with the investigation, and they will provide updates as to the investigation and how it develops.

I want to thank the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders for their courageous efforts, and for helping to save the lives of so many. The speed with which they acted is miraculous, and prevented further loss of life. To have found the shooter so quickly after the first shots were fired is something for which we will always be thankful and grateful. It shows what true professionalism is all about.

Hundreds of our fellow citizens are now mourning the sudden loss of a loved one -- a parent, a child, a brother or sister. 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, and we ask God to help see you through this very dark period.

Scripture teaches us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We seek comfort in those words, for we know that God lives in the hearts of those who grieve. To the wounded who are now recovering in hospitals, we are praying for your full and speedy recovery, and pledge to you our support from this day forward.

In memory of the fallen, I have directed that our great flag be flown at half-staff.

I will be visiting Las Vegas on Wednesday to meet with law enforcement, first responders, and the families of the victims.

In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one -- and it always has. We call upon the bonds that unite us -- our faith, our family, and our shared values. We call upon the bonds of citizenship, the ties of community, and the comfort of our common humanity.

Our unity cannot be shattered by evil. Our bonds cannot be broken by violence. And though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines us today -- and always will, forever.

In times such as these, I know we are searching for some kind of meaning in the chaos, some kind of light in the darkness. The answers do not come easy. But we can take solace knowing that even the darkest space can be brightened by a single light, and even the most terrible despair can be illuminated by a single ray of hope.

Melania and I are praying for every American who has been hurt, wounded, or lost the ones they love so dearly in this terrible, terrible attack. We pray for the entire nation to find unity and peace. And we pray for the day when evil is banished, and the innocent are safe from hatred and from fear.

May God bless the souls of the lives that are lost. May God give us the grace of healing. And may God provide the grieving families with strength to carry on.

Thank you. God bless America. Thank you.

Write a letter to the editor of the White House Patch.

Like us on Facebook:

Follow us on Twitter.

Photo credit: White House Pool