LAS VEGAS — A former business professor unaffiliated with UNLV has been identified as the gunman who carried out a shooting on the university’s campus, targeting faculty members. Anthony Polito, 67, entered UNLV’s Beam Hall on Wednesday morning and opened fire, killing three faculty members and injuring another.
The victims have been identified as UNLV professors Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, and Cha Jan Jerry Chang, 64. The Clark County coroner’s office confirmed their identities. The fourth victim, a 38-year-old visiting professor, is currently at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated during a press conference that Polito had been rejected multiple times from positions at Nevada universities. Polito had a Taurus 9mm handgun and approximately 150 rounds of ammunition with him at the time of the attack. He also brought 11 magazines to the school.
Investigators discovered a target list at Polito’s Henderson apartment, which included faculty members at UNLV and East Carolina University in North Carolina, where he had previously taught. The sheriff revealed that Polito had mailed 22 letters from a Henderson post office before the shooting, addressing them to university personnel across the country.
McMahill emphasized that all individuals listed on the target list had been notified and that none of them became victims. However, police did intercept one of Polito’s letters, which contained an unknown white powder substance. As a precaution, McMahill urged university personnel, particularly those at UNLV and East Carolina University, to notify the police if they receive a taped envelope with no return address.
We believe the suspect acted alone, and we have zero indication of any other suspects at this time, McMahill stated.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation. Authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident. As news of the shooting spread, the UNLV community and the wider academic community expressed shock and grief.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding campus safety. Universities across the country continue to prioritize security measures to ensure the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. As the investigation progresses, authorities will work to provide support and answers to the affected university communities.
The UNLV campus will remain closed as law enforcement officials complete their investigation. The university administration is collaborating with local authorities to ensure the safety and security of the campus community.
The tragic shooting serves as a somber reminder of the need to remain vigilant and address any signs of distress or potential threats. The UNLV community has come together during this difficult time, offering support and solidarity.
Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and all those affected by this senseless act of violence. The journey towards healing and recovery will undoubtedly take time, but the UNLV community remains strong and resilient.
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. In the meantime, counseling and support services are being made available to those affected by this tragic event.
