“We heard sirens and then Topgolf staff rushed in and ordered everyone to get out of the open because (they thought) there were active shooters with automatic weapons. At the time everyone thought there were multiple attackers because there was so much impact,” Shears told The Telegram Monday after hours in a hotel lockdown.
Topgolf is a venue in the MGM Grand.
“Before we knew it many concertgoers had filtered into Topgolf and then the place went on lockdown. One person was shot in the knee. I think someone said she was an off duty police officer. Other people who had witnessed the attack were in shock. Some were hyperventilating, Many were numb.”
One of Shears’ friends, a nurse helped tend to someone.
Shears is travelling in Las Vegas with six others, including her four-year-old daughter.
While there were hours in lockdown, she said her and her travelling companions’ experience was nothing compared to the horror of being at the concert, where at least 50 people were killed.
“We were told everything was clear several times but every time it seemed like there was something else happening so it went on lockdown again. We were afraid to leave and get stuck on the street if our hotel was still closed. So we stayed,” Shears said.
Friends who were staying at another hotel that was already on lockdown stayed with Shears and her group. No one slept and the group hasn’t thought about what to do next — they are just huddled up in the hotel room.
Country music star Jason Aldean was performing Sunday night at the end of the three-day Route 91 Harvest Festival when the gunman opened fire from inside the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.
It is the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history — a gunman opened fire on an outdoor concert, killing at least 50 people and injuring more than 400 others.
Police said Monday morning that the shooter, 64-year-old Stephen Craig Paddock was found dead in a hotel room with as many as 10 firearms.
Shears said she and her group have travelled to Las Vegas often and although they are in shock, they won’t let the terror stop them from ever going again.
“These attackers want people to live in fear and we don't want them to win. Everyone should carry on, as much as possible,” Shears said.
“It’s the only way.”