The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus became the site of a deadly shooting, leaving three people dead and one wounded. The incident, which occurred Wednesday afternoon, ended with the suspect being fatally shot by responding officers, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
The university community was rocked by the violent episode that began around 11:45 a.m. local time at Beam Hall, a building on the UNLV campus. The suspect, described by two law enforcement sources as a white male in his sixties and a former college professor, opened fire on the fourth floor of the building. The prompt action of the metropolitan and university police in confronting the gunman likely prevented further casualties.
Sheriff McMahill, during a news conference, detailed the swift response of law enforcement to the active shooter situation. He praised the officers' bravery, stating their immediate engagement with the gunman averted a potentially more devastating outcome, especially considering there was a gathering outside Beam Hall at the time of the attack. Four additional individuals were hospitalized due to panic attacks, and two officers sustained minor injuries during the campus search operation.
The aftermath of the shooting saw Sunrise Hospital Trauma Center confirm the admission of three patients from the incident. A reunification center was also established at the campus's North Hall for families trying to reach their loved ones. Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, offered support in the ongoing investigation.
In response to the tragedy, President Biden issued a statement addressing the incident and the broader issue of gun violence in the United States. He emphasized the need for more action from Congress, including passing an assault weapons ban and universal background checks. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and University President Brian Sandoval expressed their heartbreak and condolences to the victims' families, with Sandoval stating, "We are all Rebels," referencing the university's mascot in a show of solidarity.
The campus remained closed for the rest of the week, with decisions pending on its reopening. This incident adds to the growing list of gun violence episodes on educational campuses, raising concerns about safety and the need for effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
