Man who survived Las Vegas shooting says he's a 'firm believer in God now'

Taylor Benge managed to escape the Las Vegas shooting with his sister. Both survived unharmed. (Photo: CNN)

One man who managed to escape the Las Vegas mass shooting alive will never be the same again.

Taylor Benge was at the Route 91 country music festival in the city last night when a gunman opened fire on the crowd from a room on the 32<sup>nd room of the Mandalay Bay hotel.

At least 58 people were killed and over 500 injured in what is being described as America's deadliest mass shooting.

Benge told CNN news anchor Rick Berman that he and his sister got caught up in the chaos when the gunman started unloading rounds from an automatic gun, sending the crowds scrambling for cover.

He described seeing bodies lying on the ground and confusion as they didn't know where the shooting was coming from or how many shooters there were.

His sister jumped on him to shield him from any bullets but thankfully they all missed the pair and they were able to escape unharmed.

Now the terrifying experience has made him reconsider his beliefs about God as he told Berman he was agnostic up until Sunday night's shooting.

'It's a kind of fight or flight situation ... you've just got to take it to God and hope that you make it,' he said.

'I know I can't speak for everyone, but for me... I was agnostic going into that concert, and I'm a firm believer in God now, 'cause there's no way that... all that happened, and that I made it, and I was blessed enough to still be here alive talking to you today.'

News
Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK
Church leader sees challenges and opportunities as research suggests openness to Christianity in the UK

An evangelical church leader has welcomed national polling pointing to a more open spiritual landscape in the UK, as churches prepare for a nationwide mission effort in the run-up to Easter 2026.

CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya
CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya

Additions to the Church's calendar are rare.

Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings
Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings

Church of England's Living in Love and Faith process is to formally conclude in July.

On miracles
On miracles

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on the meaning of a miracle.