(WatchDogReport.org) – The person who fired shots at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has been confirmed as a disgruntled college professor. The individual, described as a “67-year-old career college professor,” caused tragedy when shots were fired at Beam Hall and the Student Union, resulting in three fatalities and one critically injured person.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department tweeted at 1:37 p.m. that the shooter was dead. Sheriff Kevin McMahill praised the courageous act of one police officer who prevented further loss of life. The incident led to four gunshot victims, three of whom tragically died, while the fourth remains in critical condition.
The gunman, identified as Anthony Polito, who is linked to institutions in Georgia and North Carolina, was engaged by campus police outside Beam Hall. Sheriff McMahill emphasized the tragic nature of the crime, praising the police response and acknowledging additional individuals who required hospitalization due to panic attacks.
At a Wednesday press briefing, McMahill mentioned that a cluster of students had assembled outside Beam Hall for leisure activities when the shooting unfolded. He emphasized that a rapid police response potentially averted the loss of an indeterminate number of lives.
As details unfold, the motive and evidence surrounding the case are being investigated by law enforcement. According to reports, Polito had previously applied to work at the university but was denied.
The incident rattled the UNLV community during a time of final exams and ahead of the winter break, impacting both students and the city, which previously faced the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.
Eyewitness accounts paint a chilling picture of the event. A student described hearing shots and seeking shelter, while another detailed the chaos and fear within the building. UNLV President Keith Whitfield expressed grief and sorrow for the victims and their families.
This tragic shooting marks the 80th incident at a U.S. school this year and strikes close to the site of a previous mass shooting, signaling an ongoing issue with gun violence in the country. As authorities continue their response and investigation, the incident has prompted widespread concern and prayers from local officials and the White House.
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