UNLV Shooting: Multiple Victims Injured, Shooter Found Dead

A gunman opened fire on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, leaving multiple victims injured. The shooter was later found deceased by authorities.

Las Vegas, December 7 (AP): A shocking incident unfolded on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus on Wednesday, December 7, as a gunman opened fire, resulting in at least three victims being rushed to hospitals. The disturbing news was shared by Sheriff Kevin McMahill through a post on X, formerly Twitter, where he confirmed the number of victims but emphasized that the extent of their injuries remained uncertain.

Initial Reports and Police Response

The incident was reported to the police at approximately 11:45 am on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Adam Garcia, a university police official, revealed that officers promptly located and engaged with the suspect, who was later found deceased. However, the circumstances surrounding the suspect's death were not immediately disclosed.

Campus Lockdown and Emergency Alerts

In response to the unfolding situation, the university issued urgent alerts through X, formerly Twitter, informing students and the community about the emergency. The university's message emphasized that this was not a drill and instructed individuals to "RUN-HIDE-FIGHT" to ensure their safety.

Witness Accounts and Evacuations

Student Matthew Felsenfeld, a 21-year-old journalism major, recounted the terrifying moments as he and approximately 12 classmates barricaded their door in a building near the student union. Despite not hearing gunfire or witnessing any injuries, Felsenfeld described the anxiety and fear that gripped them during the ordeal. He expressed relief when police arrived and safely escorted them out of the building.

Another student, Pierre Lescure, a UNLV senior, shared his experience of cycling to campus for a meeting when he encountered a fleet of police cars speeding past him. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Lescure immediately concluded that it was a shooting incident.

SWAT Team Deployment and Ongoing Investigation

Shortly after 1 pm, an Associated Press reporter observed a team of SWAT officers bearing FBI insignia arriving on campus. University officials continued to urge individuals on campus to remain sheltered in place, emphasizing that the investigation was still ongoing.

Campus Location and Historical Context

UNLV, with over 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, is situated on a 332-acre campus less than 2 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip. The incident occurred in a city that still bears the scars of one of the deadliest mass shootings in US history – the October 1, 2017, massacre at the Mandalay Bay casino, which claimed the lives of 60 people and left hundreds wounded. The UNLV campus is just over three miles away from that tragic location.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas shooting has left the community shaken and in mourning. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to gather more information and ensure the safety of students and staff. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address gun violence and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.