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In the wake of the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman implored healthy residents to donate blood. At least 58 people were killed and more than 500 were injured when a gunman opened fire on a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Sunday night, firing at concertgoers from the 32nd floor of his room at the Mandalay Bay hotel.
“What we ask for is blood," Goodman said at a Monday morning news conference. "If our people want to do something and they are healthy, then please donate blood." And show up they did.
Even before the mayor's statement, Las Vegans had already begun showing up in droves to donate blood following the massacre. At 4 a.m., the Las Vegas Police Department had tweeted asking people to donate blood and listing a location:
If you would like to donate blood for the injured victims of the Strip shooting visit the Labor Health & Welfare Clinic, 7135 W. Sahara.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
As local KTNV news anchor Yasmeen Hassan tweeted at 4:50 a.m. this morning, the line to donate blood was already out the door hours before sunrise at United Blood Service, where people had waited all night for the nonprofit to open.
The line to donate blood is out the door at United Blood Service. People have been here all night waiting for it to open #GMLV pic.twitter.com/D5VQeEjAYF
— Yasmeen Hassan (@YasmeenTV) October 2, 2017
By the 7 a.m. hour, there were long lines at numerous blood donation centers around the area:
This is the scene at one of the local blood banks (United Blood on W Charleston). Vegas is an amazing community. Our city is coming together pic.twitter.com/Xk7zTZWOR6
— Dave Farra (@DaveFarra) October 2, 2017
By 10 a.m., ABC News estimated that the wait at one location had reached five hours, as hundreds of people lined up to try and be of service.
Long line forms at blood bank in Las Vegas in the wake of deadly shooting. There is a 5 hour wait to give blood. https://t.co/VOVABkxMCA pic.twitter.com/2g9M4FNcoI
— ABC News (@ABC) October 2, 2017
Twitter users shared photos and videos of the long waits at other locations:
Hour & a half wait to donate blood at clinic setup at our #LasVegas hotel. Amazing to witness the support from community/guests. @CHEK_News pic.twitter.com/TjD3ZK6YBX
— Ceilidh Millar (@CeilidhMillar) October 2, 2017
Currently in line to give blood in Las Vegas...this is an amazing pic.twitter.com/ibFHczBZDf
— Charles Nelson (@cnelsonmba) October 2, 2017
Las Vegas residents still looking to donate blood are urged to make a reservation to avoid the long waits. Here's the information:
Long waits to donate blood - we thank you so much, making a reservation might help save you some time. #PrayForVegas #LasVegasShootings https://t.co/oqmqeQUGmO
— Clark County Nevada (@ClarkCountyNV) October 2, 2017
The Red Cross urges even those who don't live in Las Vegas to donate blood, which can be used for other emergencies and medical needs, helping to ensure that the organization is "prepared for any blood needs that arise wherever blood is needed," according to Today. To set up an appointment, visit the Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
