'You Are Not Alone:' Trump Meets With Shooting Survivors, Law Enforcement In Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (CBSNewYork/AP) -- President Donald Trump went to Las Vegas Wednesday and met with public officials, members of law enforcement and some of the victims of Sunday's deadly mass shooting.
As CBS2's Dick Brennan reported, Trump told those affected by the mass shooting, "We stand together to help you carry your pain."
Trump visited University Medical Center, where he spoke privately with victims. He said he was very impressed by their courage.
"The patients, the bravery -- some were very, very badly wounded, and they were badly wounded because they refused to leave," Trump said. "They wanted to help others because they saw people going down all over.
He also met with police officers and first responders who were on duty Sunday night.
"You showed the world what professionalism is all about -- something like that could take place for hours and hours and hours," Trump said.
Trump also praised Nevada and Las Vegas residents as a whole.
"The people of Nevada and the extraordinary city have shown the world their incredible character, courage, and resolve," the president said Wednesday afternoon.
Pres. Trump: "The people of Nevada and the extraordinary city have shown the world their incredible character, courage, and resolve." pic.twitter.com/1kZsqHMhUZ
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Trump told the grieving families, "We stand together to help you. You are not alone. We will never leave your side."
Speaking of the first responders and others who risked their lives to saved loved ones and strangers, he said, "The example of those whose final act was to sacrifice themselves for those they loved should inspire all of us to show more love every day for the people who grace our lives."
The president and first lady Melania Trump were greeted earlier at the airport near the famed Las Vegas strip by Gov. Brian Sandoval and other officials.
Also with Trump were House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, Rep. Richard Amodei of Nevada and Sen. Dean Heller of Nevada.
Before leaving Washington, Trump called it "a very, very sad day."
Las Vegas Shooting: Latest | Photos | Videos | The Victims
"It's a very sad thing. We're going to pay our respects and to see the police who have done really a fantastic job in a very short time," the president told reporters before boarding Marine One. "They're learning a lot more and that will be announced at the appropriate time."
At least 59 people were killed and 527 others were hurt when gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire on people at an outdoor country music festival from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel.
At least 45 patients at two hospitals remained in critical condition Wednesday.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)