In a bizarre development, the Islamic State's news agency Amaq has claimed responsibility for the Las Vegas concert attack, alleging that Stephen Paddock is one of its "soldiers" and that he converted to Islam "months ago".
To be sure, there is no evidence for these claims, and the statement comes after the Las Vegas police stated earlier that there is no link to international terrorism.
BREAKING: #ISIS claimed #LasVegas attack, reporting through 'Amaq that executor is one of its "soldiers" & he converted to Islam months ago pic.twitter.com/4E85vEIUzH
— SITE Intel Group (@siteintelgroup)
1) BREAKING: #ISIS' Amaq claims #LasVegas shooting. Surprising as it sounds, statement issued on legit primary source. https://t.co/nh8zuEPP3N
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz)
2) Interestingly, Amaq released 2 statements: one claiming attacker as an #ISIS soldier, & 2nd that he?"converted to Islam" months ago pic.twitter.com/myYfzGvK5m
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz)
3) Given what is known of attacker Stephen Paddock, #ISIS needs evidence. Otherwise, might make ISIS appear (more) desperate for claims
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz)
4)Rare event that #ISIS news agency Amaq releases a follow-up statement (i.e.its follow-up about Paddock purportedly converting to Islam)...
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz)
5) Prior to claim, #ISIS supporters didn't suspect connection to group,but ISIS linked Aswirati Media was already posting celebratory images pic.twitter.com/3XTeWb4yoD
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz)
6) Tho rare, Amaq follow-up claim was needed on #ISIS' part: currently no known radical religious element to Paddock's background
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz)
7) #ISIS appears to be doubling down on its claim for #LasVegas as Amaq statements being further disseminated in different languages. pic.twitter.com/ecTVGjvclM
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz)
8) Not clear if promise for proof or threat, but pro-#ISIS message states that those saying it "has nothing to do" w attack will "regret" it pic.twitter.com/TRtBXjIwMU
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz)
The US, however, isn't buying it:
Meanwhile, from Reuters:
- TWO SENIOR U.S. OFFICIALS SAY NO EVIDENCE AT THIS TIME THAT LAS VEGAS SHOOTER IS CONNECTED TO ANY INTERNATIONAL MILITANT GROUP
- SENIOR U.S. OFFICIAL DISCOUNTED ISLAMIC STATE'S CLAIM OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR LAS VEGAS SHOOTING
