Three law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation have revealed that a man in his 60s is the suspect in the shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) that resulted in the deaths of at least three people. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear at this time. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department swiftly responded to reports of an active shooter on the UNLV campus, and it has since been confirmed that the suspect is deceased.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden have expressed their condolences and prayers for the families of the victims of both the UNLV shooting and the shootings in Texas that occurred the previous day. President Biden emphasized the urgent need to address the issue of gun violence in the country, stating that over 600 mass shootings and approximately 40,000 deaths due to gun violence have occurred this year alone.
As the investigation continues, the identities of the victims and the suspect have not yet been released. The Attorney General, Merrick Garland, has been briefed on the situation and is monitoring it closely. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are also present at the scene, providing assistance to local law enforcement.
Tragically, the UNLV shooting took place on the same day that a vigil was planned to honor the memory of two Nevada state troopers, Sgt. Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix, who lost their lives in the line of duty. The vigil, organized by the Injured Police Officer’s Fund, was canceled in light of the UNLV shooting.
The Department of Education, led by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, has pledged support to UNLV and will work with the school to ensure the safety of its students. Cardona addressed the shooting during the White House Tribal Nations Summit, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families.
Eye-witnesses shared their harrowing experiences, such as an assistant professor, Robert Lovato, who was just moments away from the shooting location. He recollected the sound of rapid gunshots and the subsequent lockdown orders. Students and faculty members on campus sought safety and are now praying for those affected. One student’s mother described the panic and fear she felt as she rushed to the school when she couldn’t reach her daughter.
In light of the shooting, the basketball game between the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and the University of Dayton has been canceled. The UNLV community is reeling from the tragedy, receiving support from the wider community and the nation.
The UNLV shooting serves as a devastating reminder of the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States. The nation continues to grapple with this pressing concern, with calls for stricter gun control measures and improved safety protocols in schools and public spaces.
