Las Vegas, NV. A former college professor opened fire on University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, leaving three dead on Wednesday morning. The incident, which unfolded about two miles from the iconic Las Vegas Strip, ended in a shootout with police that claimed the life of the gunman.
The assailant, identified as a white male in his 60s and a former professor, engaged in gunfire with law enforcement after the attack. Authorities reported that one additional victim is in stable condition at a local hospital, while four others were treated for panic attacks, and two police officers sustained minor injuries.
The UNLV campus, a scene of chaos, will remain closed on Thursday and Friday as investigators work to understand the motive behind the deadly attack. Law enforcement sources disclosed that the shooter had a history of teaching in Georgia and North Carolina. The Associated Press reported that he had applied for a job at the university.
At a press conference, Kevin McMahill, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, stated they have “no idea on the motive” at this point and lacked details on the weapon used. The university, via Twitter, initially alerted students to shots fired on campus and later urged evacuation and adherence to active shooter protocols.
Adam Garcia, the university police chief, detailed that two campus officers engaged the suspect in a shootout, resulting in the assailant’s demise. President Joe Biden condemned the act as the “latest college campus to be terrorized by a horrific act of gun violence,” expressing condolences for the affected families.
The airport near UNLV issued a ground stop temporarily, and road closures around the airport were implemented due to police activity. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo assured ongoing coordination with law enforcement and emergency responders.
The FBI and ATF are collaborating with local police in the investigation, while a family reunification center has been established at the Las Vegas Convention Center. President Biden, scheduled to visit Las Vegas on Friday, has not indicated changes to his travel plans in response to the tragic event.
Mayor Carolyn Goodman termed the incident “tragic and heart-breaking news,” echoing sentiments of prayer for everyone affected. Late Wednesday night, students were allowed back into their campus housing with a strong police presence, marking the beginning of a community grappling with the aftermath of a devastating event.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
