By Lauren Granada 1/31/2018
The gunman who killed 58 people and injured hundreds at a Las Vegas music festival scouted major Boston concert venues, including Fenway Park.
A Government official said Stephen Paddock Googled Fenway Park and the Boston Center for the Arts. It’s unclear whether or not he ever visited the city, or when he
conducted searches on the internet. According to a law enforcement official, Paddock was searching online for big concert venues in the Boston area.
Fenway has become known for hosting big names and music and attracting huge crowds. Lady Gaga and Billy Joel were the most recent concerts to take place at the ballpark at the end of last August and beginning of last September.
Governor Charlie Baker, the FBI and the Boston Police Department said there is no immediate threat to the area. However, Boston police Commissioner William Evans said that security will be stepped up at all upcoming events.
Chicago was another location found in Paddock’s browsing history.
The 64-year-old reportedly booked two hotel room in Chicago that overlooked the Lollapalooza music festival held in early August. According to the Chicago Tribune, the rooms Paddock booked at the Blackstone Hotel offered a clear view of the festival. Lollapalooza is known for drawing thousands of people, including Malia and Sasha Obama.
The Blackstone Hotel released a statement saying it’s cooperating with authorities.