(AP Photo/ Lucas Peltier)
In an unfortunate incident on Wednesday afternoon, three individuals lost their lives, and one person sustained injuries in a shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), according to law enforcement authorities.
The police, who swiftly responded to the scene, reported that the suspect was neutralized, alleviating any immediate threat to the community.
During a news conference on Wednesday evening, Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department revealed that the suspect’s identity is known to law enforcement. However, out of respect for the victims’ families, the suspect’s name will not be disclosed until the families have been notified.
According to two law enforcement sources cited, the alleged gunman was described as a Caucasian male in his sixties and identified as a former college professor who had previously taught in Georgia and North Carolina.
Earlier in the day, McMahill had stated that the motive behind the shooting remained unknown.
The initial report of an active shooter came around 11:45 a.m. local time, prompting an immediate response from both metropolitan and university police. The suspect was confronted and ultimately killed outside Beam Hall, with the incident originating on the building’s fourth floor.
In addition to the three fatalities, one individual with a gunshot wound was transported to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in stable condition, according to McMahill. Four others suffered panic attacks and were hospitalized. Two police officers incurred minor injuries while searching the campus for potential additional victims.
McMahill emphasized the rapid response of law enforcement, highlighting that the tragedy could have been more severe if not for the quick arrival of officers on the scene. He described the attack as “a heinous, unforgivable crime,” expressing sympathy for the affected students and condemning any fear that may arise on a college campus.
In the aftermath of the incident, trauma medical director Chris Fisher from Sunrise Hospital Trauma Center confirmed that three patients from the shooting had been received on Wednesday afternoon.
To assist families unable to reach their loved ones, a reunification center was established at the campus’s North Hall, as announced by Clark County Fire Chief John C. Steinbeck during an afternoon news conference.
Responding to the incident, a federal law enforcement official informed that both the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were actively involved, assisting the metropolitan police in their investigation.
In response to the tragedy, UNLV will remain closed for the week. Further decisions regarding the potential reopening on Monday will be determined, as conveyed by university police chief Adam Garcia during the evening news conference.
President Biden addressed the shooting in a statement issued on Wednesday, expressing concern about the escalating issue of gun violence. He specifically mentioned the recent events at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, as well as shooting incidents in Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Urging Congress to take more decisive action, Biden called for the passage of an assault weapons ban and universal background checks, among other measures.
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman described the news as “tragic and heartbreaking” and extended her prayers to everyone on campus as law enforcement responded to the situation.
University president Brian Sandoval expressed profound sorrow, stating that it was an “unimaginably sad and shocking day for our entire state.” Offering deepest sympathies, he emphasized solidarity with the families of the multiple victims and concluded, “Today and in the days to come, we are all Rebels,” in a social media post.
