Paddock may have researched the possibility of attacking other outdoor concerts, including the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago in August 2017, according to several news sources. Paddock “had his sights set on Lollapalooza in Chicago and even booked 2 rooms in a hotel that overlooked the massive outdoor venue,” TMZ reported.
The week before the shooting, Paddock booked an apartment at The Ogden in Downtown Las Vegas, which overlooked the open-air Life Is Beautiful festival and arrived at the Mandalay Bay hotel Sept. 25. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said Paddock carried more than ten suitcases into his hotel suite during his preparation for the shooting.
Twenty-three firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, and numerous high-capacity magazines capable of holding up to 100 rounds apiece were found in Paddock’s suite, according to reports.
At a press conference on October 4, Sheriff Lombardo stated there was evidence showing Paddock had intended to escape the scene, and that he may have had assistance from an accomplice.
