President Donald Trump called on the U.S. to unify Monday in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre, saying the country always comes together after tragedies and always will.
Trump spoke slowly and somberly as he addressed the first mass shooting of his presidency.
"In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one, and it always has," he said. "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."
At least 50 people were killed and more than 400 injured Sunday night when gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire on country music concert-goers from his Mandalay Bay hotel room.
"It was an act of pure evil," Trump said.
Trump said the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are working with local authorities to assist with the investigation and will continually provide updates. Trump praised the Las Vegas police and first responders who saved lives with their "miraculous" response to the shooting.
"It shows what true professionalism is all about," he said.
Trump said he and First Lady Melania Trump's prayers were with the victims and their loved ones.
"Hundreds of our fellow citizens are now mourning the sudden loss of a loved one, a parent, a child, a brother or sister," he said. "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. We ask God to help see you through this very dark period."
Trump also announced he would visit Las Vegas on Wednesday and had ordered all flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of those who perished.