Mass Shooting at University of Nevada, Las Vegas Leaves Three Dead, Gunman Identified as Academic Anthony Polito

LAS VEGAS — The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), was shaken on Wednesday by a mass shooting that left three people dead, including the gunman. Law enforcement sources have identified the shooter as Anthony Polito, a 67-year-old academic who was seeking work at the university.

The shooting took place at the Frank and Estella Beam Hall, home to the Lee Business School, during the afternoon. Students and faculty members were forced to run for safety or take shelter as shots rang out. The Las Vegas Metro police and SWAT team responded swiftly to the incident, with officers firing on the shooter just minutes after the first shots were fired.

The identities of the three victims have not been released, but it is believed that the shooter specifically targeted at least some of them. One victim, who was critically injured, is said to be in stable condition as of Wednesday night. Four others were taken to the hospital suffering from panic attacks, and two police officers sustained minor injuries during the campus sweep.

In the wake of the tragedy, UNLV has canceled all classes and performing arts activities through Sunday. University President Keith Whitfield expressed his grief and condolences for the victims and their families, and emphasized the need to ensure campus safety.

Students are now calling for final exams to be canceled or moved online, or for special considerations to be given due to the emotional impact of the shooting. Many students feel that the incident has shattered their sense of security and are concerned about returning to school.

This mass shooting comes six years after the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, which occurred less than five miles from the UNLV campus on the Las Vegas Strip. The incident has once again raised questions about gun violence and campus safety.

As investigations continue, the UNLV community and the city of Las Vegas are left to mourn the loss of life and grapple with the aftermath of yet another tragic shooting.