Gunman Who Killed Three Professors at UNLV Was Financially Struggling Academic, Say Police
The gunman responsible for the shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) that claimed the lives of three professors and left one wounded has been identified as financially struggling academic Anthony Polito, according to police. Polito had faced multiple rejections from higher-education institutions in Nevada, authorities revealed on Thursday.
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In addition to the shooting, Polito had also sent nearly two dozen suspicious letters to faculty members at universities across the United States. He had compiled a “target list” of individuals at both UNLV and a university in North Carolina where he had previously worked. Police disclosed that Polito had a criminal record dating back to 1992 for computer trespass in Virginia, but there were no prior indicators of violence.
The gunman legally purchased a Taurus 9mm handgun in 2022, which he used in the attack. Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Polito acted alone.
While the exact motive for the shooting remains unknown, officials stated that students were not the primary targets. All four victims shot inside Beam Hall, the building that houses UNLV’s business school, were faculty members.
Two of the deceased professors have been identified as Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, 64, and Patricia Navarro Velez, 39. The identity of the third slain professor is being withheld pending notification of family. The injured victim’s condition has worsened, and they remain hospitalized.
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Detectives discovered that Polito had visited a post office shortly before the shooting and mailed 22 letters to university personnel across the country. The letters were intercepted, and one contained a suspicious white powdery substance. The contents of the letters are currently under investigation. Law enforcement authorities urged caution for anyone in higher education who receives a similar envelope and advised them to contact the authorities.
Officials are in the process of notifying the intended recipients of the letters and have reached out to everyone on the target list to ensure their safety. Evidence suggests that Polito was facing financial difficulties, as an eviction notice was found at his residence, along with what appears to be a will.
The UNLV campus will remain closed until Friday, and classes have been canceled until December 10.
