Former ECU students of the suspected gunman in the shooting at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Wednesday have shared their experiences of him as a teacher. Tony Polito, a former assistant professor at East Carolina University, taught at the institution from 2001 until his resignation in 2017. ECU spokesperson confirmed this information on Thursday. Several ECU employees were also contacted about Polito, and one staff member disclosed that the police visited their residence last night to ensure their safety due to their previous connection with Polito.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Tony Polito opened fire at UNLV, resulting in the death of three individuals and the injury of another. Former ECU student Erick Smithwick expressed his sympathy for the victim and their family, emphasizing the need to understand the motive behind the attack. Another former student, Tressa Grontti, described Polito as a good teacher who often discussed marketing and shared his interest in Las Vegas. Grontti mentioned that she had a positive experience with him and was surprised by the news.
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Polito’s LinkedIn profile indicates that he was based in Las Vegas. NBC News reported that he had applied for a job at UNLV but was rejected. Grontti, who took his class around 2013-2014, recalled Polito’s calm demeanor and sense of humor, making the news of the shooting even more shocking. Smithwick, who was a student of Polito in 2006, echoed similar sentiments, describing him as lighthearted and creating a comfortable environment in the classroom.
Both former students expressed disbelief upon hearing the news, emphasizing that Polito’s actions were unexpected based on their interactions with him. According to authorities, Polito was killed in a shootout with law enforcement. The shooting began on the fourth floor of UNLV’s Lee Business School building, and Polito moved to multiple floors before being confronted by law enforcement.
The incident has left the ECU community and former students in shock, as they grapple with the realization that someone they knew could commit such an act of violence. Investigations into the motive behind the shooting are ongoing.
