The University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus was plunged into chaos yesterday as a college professor turned gunman opened fire, resulting in three fatalities and one person critically injured. Law enforcement officials revealed that the 67-year-old shooter had recently applied for a job at UNLV but was unsuccessful. The shooter had also worked at schools in Georgia and North Carolina. Investigators are now examining the gunman’s phone for clues about a possible motive. Due to the victims not being students, authorities suspect that the attack may have been targeted. This tragic incident marks the deadliest shooting in Las Vegas since the devastating Mandalay Bay attack in October 2017.
The shooting unfolded in Beam Hall on Wednesday at around noon when the assailant began firing on the fourth floor before gradually moving to other floors. Police responded swiftly, engaging in a shootout with the gunman outside the building. If it hadn’t been for the heroic actions of one of those police officers who responded, it could’ve been countless additional lives taken, stated Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The injured survivor is currently receiving treatment in a stable condition.
The shocking events have brought back painful memories for those who have previously experienced similar tragedies. I’m trying to keep myself calm. This is my second shooting, said a woman who was on campus during the incident. This is just more stuff in therapy to talk through.
With the investigation ongoing, authorities are working diligently to establish the motive behind the attack. The focus is currently on deciphering the contents of the gunman’s phone, hoping to gain insights into what led to this horrifying act of violence. As the UNLV community remains in a state of shock, counseling resources are being made available to help students, faculty, and staff cope with the traumatic event.
Notably, Las Vegas experienced its deadliest shooting in modern American history in 2017 when a gunman targeted a music festival from the Mandalay Bay hotel, claiming the lives of 59 innocent people. The recent incident serves as a tragic reminder of the lingering impact of such acts of violence and the need for continued efforts to prevent future tragedies.
As authorities gather evidence and probe into the shooter’s background, the UNLV campus is left grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act. The lasting effects of this tragedy will undoubtedly be felt by the community as they mourn the loss of lives and work towards healing and recovery.
