UNLV cancels finals after campus shooting: live

The third victim who was killed in Wednesday’s shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has been named as Dr Naoko Takemaru.

Dr Takemaru was named after her next of kin were informed by the coroner’s office, UNLV president Keith Whitfield said in a statement.

“With sadness, I write to you to mourn the tragic passing of Dr Naoko Takemaru, who this morning was confirmed to be among the three UNLV faculty members who lost their lives during Wednesday’s shooting,” Mr Whitfield said.

The first two victims of the shooting were identified as professor Cha Jan Chang, 64, known as “Jerry,” and assistant professor Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, of Las Vegas, on Thursday.

It comes after Las Vegas police released new video purportedly showing suspect Anthony Polito moments after his shooting rampage at the University of Nevada‘s Las Vegas campus.

The footage emerged after investigators revealed that 67-year-old Polito had a “target list” - but none of his alleged victims were on it.

Police previously confirmed that Polito was a career college professor who had applied for – but failed to be accepted for – a job at UNLV.

Key Points

• Suspect sent 22 letters to various universities before shooting

• Suspect identified as 67-year-old professor Anthony Polito

• Three victims killed and fourth injured in UNLV campus shooting

• Gunman had recently unsuccessfully applied for a job at UNLV: sources

• UNLV shooting suspect captured on video after deadly rampage

• All in-person final exams at UNLV cancelled

• Third victim of UNLV shooting named

Shooter’s former student recalls his obsessive behavior

Saturday 9 December 2023 21:00 , Andrea Cavallier

One of Polito’s former students at East Carolina, Paul Whittington, said Polito seemed obsessive over anonymous student reviews at the end of each semester, The Associated Press reported.

Polito told Whittington’s class that he remembered the faces of students who gave him bad reviews and would express that he was sure who they were and where they sat, pointing at seats in the classroom, Whittington said.

“He always talked about the negative feedback he got,” said Whittington, now 33, who took Polito’s intro to operations management class in 2014.

“He didn’t get a lot of it, but there would always be one student every semester, or at least one student every class, that would give a negative review. And he fixated on those.”

Who were the victims of the UNLV campus shooting?

Saturday 9 December 2023 19:30 , Andrea Cavallier

All four of the victims were faculty members at the UNLV, the college’s president Keith Whitfield has confirmed.

One of the victims was 39-year-old assistant professor Patricia Navarro-Velez, from Las Vegas.

Dr Navarro-Velez was an assistant professor of accounting and had “devoted her career to educating the next generation of accountants.”

Dr Cha Jan Chang, 64, was known as “Jerry” by friends and colleagues.

Dr Chang was a longtime educator of management information systems, who had spent more than 20 years of his academic career teaching a generation of UNLV Lee Business School students, said college president Kevin Whitfield.

Both died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Clark County coroner.

On Friday, the third victim was named after her next of kin were informed by the coroner’s office.

Dr Naoko Takemaru, an associate professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, was a noted scholar, author, and award-winning educator.

Three victims killed in UNLV mass shooting identified

Finals cancelled in wake of UNLV campus shooting

Saturday 9 December 2023 17:30 , Andrea Cavallier

In the wake of the UNLV campus shooting, in-person finals were cancelled, a relief to many.

But faculty and students will have flexibility to decide how to end the semester. There will be optional online finals and take home projects, otherwise students will earn a grade based on their work before 6 December – the day of the shooting.

The decision came after students sent a letter to university leaders, asking them to cancel classes for the remainder of the semester and to move finals online or cancel them.

The letter urged the university “to show grace during this time, allowing for extensions on all assignments and attendance as no student should be forced back onto campus in the coming weeks.” A petition calling for the cancellation of classes also generated thousands of signatures.

Some students told the Los Angeles Times that classes just didn’t seem that important right now. Or that they felt they needed to be home with their families.

Yet, others were grateful the university did not cancel winter graduation ceremonies, which will go on as scheduled December 19 and 20.

How bad is US gun violence?

Saturday 9 December 2023 17:00 , Mike Bedigan

According to analysis by CNN, Wednesday’s shooting at UNLV marks the 80th US school shooting this year.

Of those, 51 shootings have been reported on K-12 campuses and 29 on university and college campuses, according to the outlet. This figure includes the latest shooting in Las Vegas on the UNLV campus.

In his remarks, Mr Biden highlighted that in 2023 the country had experienced more than 600 mass shootings, and approximately 40,000 deaths due to gun violence.

“This is not normal, and we can never let it become normal,” he said.

UNLV shooting suspect captured on video after deadly rampage

Saturday 9 December 2023 16:00 , Mike Bedigan

Police have released footage of UNLV shooter Anthony Polito after his deadly rampage on the university.

The video shows the gunman being taken down by officers just outside the campus where he’s believed to have killed three faculty members on Wednesday and injured another.

A woman who police say they believe to be a professor is also seen in the footage running away from the suspect.

Third victim of shooting had been at UNLV for 20 years

Saturday 9 December 2023 15:30 , Mike Bedigan

Dr Naoko Takemaru recently marked her 20th year as a member of UNLV’s faculty, according to college president Keith Whitfield.

An associate professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, she was a noted scholar, author, and award-winning educator

Dr Takemaru coordinated Japanese language programs and taught numerous courses on Japanese culture, business, and language at UNLV and “was incredibly dedicated to her students,” Mr Whitfield said.

“We grieve for her family, friends, students, and colleagues. We honor her memory, alongside those of Lee Business School professors Dr Patricia Navarro-Velez and Dr Jerry Chang, who also perished as a result of Wednesday’s tragedy. Another UNLV faculty member remains hospitalized this morning, and we are collectively pulling for their recovery,” a statement read.

Mr Whitfield’s statement continued: “Processing the loss of three cherished UNLV faculty members is horrendously difficult, but we are heartened by memories of them and their remarkable and lasting impact on our university, on their students, and within their professions.”

Third victim of UNLV shooting named

Saturday 9 December 2023 15:00 , Mike Bedigan

The third victim who was killed in Wednesday’s shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has been named as Dr Naoko Takemaru.

Dr Takemaru was named after her next of kin were informed by the coroner’s office, UNLV president Keith Whitfield said in a statement on Friday.

“With sadness, I write to you to mourn the tragic passing of Dr Naoko Takemaru, who this morning was confirmed to be among the three UNLV faculty members who lost their lives during Wednesday’s shooting,” Mr Whitfield said.

“Earlier today, the coroner’s office shared Dr. Takemaru’s name following the notification of her next of kin.”

UNLV shooter was ‘struggling financially’ before shooting

Saturday 9 December 2023 14:00 , Mike Bedigan

UNLV gunman Anthony Polito was “struggling financially” before the shooting in which he is believed to have killed three faculty members and injured another, police said.

Anthony Polito, 67, was named by police as the suspect on Thursday in the shooting which ended with his own death.

Law enforcement sources said Polito had unsuccessfully applied for a college professorship at UNLV sometime prior to embarking on the deadly rampage.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department chief Kevin McMahill added that Polito was “struggling financially” at the time before the shooting, as evidenced by an eviction notice taped to his door when authorities executed a search warrant.

All in-person final exams at UNLV cancelled

Saturday 9 December 2023 13:00 , Mike Bedigan

All in-person, on campus final exams at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas have been cancelled, president Keith Whitfield has announced.

Prior to Wednesday’s tragic events, the exams had been scheduled to take place next week.

“We are providing flexibility for faculty and instructors – as well as students – to bring this semester to a positive end,” a statement from Mr Whitfield read.

Students will end the semester with the grade they have earned based on work completed before December 6, though some faculty may opt to offer an optional online final exam or take-home project before December 18, allowing students an opportunity to improve their grade.

Female student ‘felt preyed’ on by UNLV shooter

Saturday 9 December 2023 11:00 , Mike Bedigan

A woman who was taught by the UNLV shooter Anthony Polito said she “felt preyed” on while taking a course taught by the college professor during her senior year in 2012.

The woman, who asked not to be identified, told NBC that what began as a mentor-mentee relationship escalated into his pursuing her in a way that made her uncomfortable.

“I initially brought my résumé and my cover letters and stuff, like, just for him to review, but it just slowly became apparent that it was not as innocent,” she told the outlet.

The woman said Polito would try to have contact with her every day for nearly the entire semester, through emails and texting. She added that Polito also bought her gifts and eventually invited her to Las Vegas.

“I think that’s about when I was like ‘I have to cut this man off because he got the wrong idea,’” she said, noting that she was in her early 20s and that Polito not only was her professor but also much older than her.

“I felt preyed upon,” she said.

The woman told NBC that Polito never touched her inapproprately or acted out after she ended communication with him, and had never thought to report him because he was well-respected on campus.

“It was just so bizarre,” she said, adding that she was surprised that Polito had been accussed of Wednesday’s shooting.

New video shows UNLV shooting suspect moments after three professors killed

Saturday 9 December 2023 10:00 , Namita Singh

Police have released footage of UNLV shooter Anthony Polito after his deadly rampage on the university on Wednesday.

The video shows the gunman being taken down by officers just outside the campus where he is believed to have killed three faculty members and injured another on Wednesday.

A woman who police say they believe to be a professor is also seen in the footage running away from the suspect.

Anthony Polito, 67, was named by police as the suspect in the shooting which ended with his own death.

My colleague Martha McHardy has more:

New video shows UNLV shooting suspect moments after three professors killed

What we know about the UNLV shooting

Saturday 9 December 2023 09:30 , Namita Singh

While authorities reassured the commmuntity that there was ‘no further threat,’ many questions still remain, largely to do with the shooter and their motive. Mike Bedigan looks at what we know so far:

What we know about the UNLV shooting

Revealed: UNLV shooter’s ‘obsession’ with Las Vegas and student reviews

Saturday 9 December 2023 09:00 , Mike Bedigan

The gunman who killed three people in a shooting spree at the University of Nevada’s Las Vegas campus on Wednesday had an “obsession” with Sin City and was considered “eccentric” by his students.

Martha McHardy has the full story.

Revealed: UNLV shooter’s ‘obsession’ with Las Vegas and student reviews

‘Incredibly dedicated to her students’: Third victim of UNLV shooting named

Saturday 9 December 2023 08:30 , Namita Singh

The third victim killed in Wednesday’s shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has been named.

Dr Naoko Takemaru, an associate professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, was identified after her next of kin were informed by the coroner’s office, UNLV president Keith Whitfield said in a statement.

“With sadness, I write to you to mourn the tragic passing of Dr Naoko Takemaru, who this morning was confirmed to be among the three UNLV faculty members who lost their lives during Wednesday’s shooting,” Mr Whitfield said on Friday.

“Earlier today, the coroner’s office shared Dr Takemaru’s name following the notification of her next of kin.”

My colleague Mike Bedigan has more:

‘Incredibly dedicated to her students’: Third victim of UNLV shooting named

Polito ‘obsessive about anonymous student reviews’

Saturday 9 December 2023 08:00 , Namita Singh

Gunman Anthony Polito’s employment record at East Carolina did not include any disciplinary actions or red flags, according to a law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the investigation.

He had lived in the Las Vegas area since at least 2018.

Roseman University of Health Sciences in Henderson, Nevada, said Polito had an adjunct faculty contract and taught two courses in the school’s Master of Business Administration programme from October 2018 to June 2022. He left when the programme was discontinued, said Jason Roth, a school spokesperson.

A former student at East Carolina, Paul Whittington, said Polito often talked about his regular trips to Las Vegas. He also seemed obsessive about anonymous student reviews, Mr Whittington said.

“He always talked about the negative feedback he got,” said Mr Whittington, now 33, who took an introductory course in operations management with Polito in 2014.

“He didn’t get a lot of it, but there would always be one student every semester, or at least one student every class, that would give a negative review.”

‘Shooter may have intended to fire on student union’

Saturday 9 December 2023 07:30 , Namita Singh

It’s unclear how many shots Anthony Polito fired, but the sheriff said he brought more than 150 rounds of ammunition with him.

Given that number of rounds, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Polito may have intended to fire on the student union next to the business school, where students were gathered, eating and playing games.

Polito also was carrying what McMahill described as a “target list” of faculty members both from UNLV and from East Carolina University in North Carolina, where Polito taught at the business school from 2001 to 2017.

He resigned from East Carolina as a tenured associate professor, the university said.

Watch: LeBron James reacts to UNLV shooting, calling inaction on gun control ‘ridiculous’

Saturday 9 December 2023 07:00 , Mike Bedigan

University hails law enforcement efforts

Saturday 9 December 2023 06:30 , Namita Singh

University officials praised the efforts of law enforcement and paid tribute to their fallen colleagues at a news conference last evening.

Two university police officers, Detective Nathaniel Drum and Officer Damian Garcia, killed Polito after he opened fire on them outside of the business school. Both have been placed on administrative leave, which is routine practice while the shooting is reviewed, University Police Chief Adam Garcia said.“In a word, these two officers are heroes.

They kept the worst from becoming a bloodbath,” the chief said.

Polito carried 9mm legally purchased handgun along with target list

Saturday 9 December 2023 06:00 , Namita Singh

The gunman, 67-year-old Anthony Polito, walked into UNLV’s business school around lunchtime on Wednesday and fired shots as he roamed the top three floors, where faculty offices are located, police said.

Along with the three people who were killed, a 38-year-old visiting professor was wounded and hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

After police killed Polito in a shootout, he was found to be carrying nine magazines for a 9 mm handgun he’d legally purchased last year and a list of targets at the school — although none of the people shot was on that list, police said.

Police still had no motive for Wednesday’s attack but said the shooter, who was a career college professor, had been denied a job at various Nevada colleges and universities and appeared to be struggling financially.

Polito arrived at UNLV in a 2007 Lexus that he parked in a lot south of the business school about 15 minutes before the shooting, said Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill. After leaving the car, he placed loaded magazines in his waistband and entered the business school at 11.33am. The first reports of gunfire came at 11.45am.

Recorded 911 calls underscore real time terror of the deadly Las Vegas University shooting

Saturday 9 December 2023 05:30 , Namita Singh

Fire alarms blared in the background of 911 calls that police released on Friday, amplifying the terrified voices of students and faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as they hid inside locked offices and under desks while a gunman fired shots outside, killing three professors.

“Someone’s shooting. Please hurry,” said one woman caller, her voice cracking with fear as she described the shots as sounding like they were next door.

“I really want to go home.”Several of the over three dozen calls to 911 were from family members of students or faculty on campus. One woman called after hearing from her daughter about an active shooter. She described her daughter as hyperventilating and crying.“

She just called me and she can’t even breathe. Can you call her back or something? Can you investigate,” the woman pleaded.

In pictures: Aftermath of UNLV shooting

Saturday 9 December 2023 05:00 , Mike Bedigan

UNLV school officials cancel classes, finals

Saturday 9 December 2023 04:30 , Namita Singh

Final exams and the last week of in-person classes this semester at the University of Nevada have been cancelled. University president Keith Whitfield told students and staff on Friday that students’ final grades will be based on work completed before the shooting on Wednesday.

He cited the loss of the faculty members and the physical and emotional trauma the university has endured.

"What our university has endured on Dec. 6 is nothing short of life-changing. We will not ever forget that day," he said at a news conference late on Friday.

Mr Whitfield set the 18 December deadline for students to take optional online final exams or complete take-home tests to improve their grades. Commencement ceremonies are still scheduled for 19-20 December.

The five-story building where the shooting happened remained closed on Friday.

Will students return to campus in the coming days?

Saturday 9 December 2023 04:00 , Mike Bedigan

On Wednesday, Adam Garcia, from the University Police Services – Southern Command, said that all higher education campuses in southern Nevada would be closed following the incident out of “an abundance of caution”.

Mr Garcia did not immediately say when the campuses would reopen, but it was later confirmed that they would remain closed on Thursday and Friday.

On Friday, Keith Whitfield, president of UNLV said that all in-person, on campus final exams – due to take place next week – would be cancelled.

“We are providing flexibility for faculty and instructors – as well as students – to bring this semester to a positive end,” a statement from Mr Whitfield read.

Faculty and staff have been advised to work remotely through the end of the calendar year, with some exceptions.

Students will end the semester with the grade they have earned based on work completed before December 6, though some faculty may opt to offer an optional online final exam or take-home project before December 18, allowing students an opportunity to improve their grade.

One UNLV student told ABC News he was unsure if many would want to return to the campus immediately following the incident.

“Thank gosh, it’s near the end of semester so we can have a month off for people to recover and hopefully we can grieve about this and come together as a community to pass this and go into next semester, but I don’t know I’m super nervous, I’m nervous about next semester,” he said.

Police still investigating motive of UNLV shooting

Saturday 9 December 2023 03:30 , Namita Singh

Las Vegas police are still trying to understand what led Anthony Polito, a longtime business professor in North Carolina, to the University of Nevada campus on Wednesday.

Three faculty members died and another was critically injured when a lone gunman walked on to campus and opened fire in the building housing the business school.

The shooting stoked fear on the 30,000-student campus just miles from the Las Vegas Strip where the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history led to the deaths of 60 people on 1 October 2017.

Who were the victims of the UNLV attack?

Saturday 9 December 2023 03:00 , Mike Bedigan

All three of the victims who died in Wednesday’s attack have now been identified, with tributes paid by colleagues at a press conference on Friday.

The two police officers who were also injured during the incident have also been named. They were described as “heroes” by University Police Services chief Adam Garcia.

First victims in UNLV mass shooting identified

What we know about the UNLV shooting

Saturday 9 December 2023 01:45 , Mike Bedigan

While authorities reassured the commmuntity that there was ‘no further threat,’ many questions still remain, largely to do with the shooter and their motive.

Here’s what we know.

What we know about the UNLV shooting

Two officers injured in shooting identified

Saturday 9 December 2023 00:44 , Mike Bedigan

The two officers involved in the shooting were named at the press conference as Detective Nathanial Drum and Officer Damian Garcia.

Adam Garcia, police chief for the University Police Services Southern Command described the men as “heroes”.

“They kept the worst from becoming a bloodbath,” Mr Garcia said.

“The collective response and actions of our other initial responding officers LVPD metro or many regional agencies no doubt saved lives as well. Their swift response and exceptional courage were pivotal in neutralising this threat and undoubtedly prevented further harm to our community.

“I want to express with a deepest gratitude to both officer Garcia and Detective Drumm who, combined, bring over 40 years of law enforcement experience to our department.

“Their dedication to this community is unwavering.”

Detective Drum has been employed with UPS since 2017 and is assigned to the detective bureau at our central area command. Officer Garcia has been employed with UPS since 2018.

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the review of the incident.

Dr ‘Jerry’ Chang was ‘a mentor of the highest calibre'

Saturday 9 December 2023 00:40 , Mike Bedigan

Dr Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang was rememebered as “a rigorous researcher and a good teacher who deeply love his student and UNLV”.

“He was a mentor of the highest caliber, offering guidance and support – not just with words but with actions, sharing his experience and wisdom generously, patiently helping [students] navigate the complexity of academia,” a colleague said of Dr Chang.

“He believed in their potential and celebrated their achievement, fostering a sense of belonging and fellowship in the department.”

Dr Chang had also previously discussed the possibility of donating his body to UNLV for research purposes. While UNLV does not accept such donations, his body will be reportedly utilised by another institution.

Dr Patricia Navarro ‘made everyone feel like family'

Saturday 9 December 2023 00:33 , Mike Bedigan

Dr Patricia Navarro was remembered for her “larger-than-life personality and infectious smile.”

Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr Navarro had “a genuine kindness that made everyone around her feel like family,” Dr Jason Smith said.

“She loved gatherings – ‘the more the merrier’ she would say. She loved baking and sharing especially dessert items. Her creme brulee and macarons were were not to be missed.

“She lit up a room with her smile and although her professional accomplishments are impressive, Pat’s most important work was at home.

“Pat and her husband are proud parents of four children and she was blessed to be surrounded with love by her parents, three sisters, a brother, many nieces and nephews and countless friends and colleagues who adored her.”

Dr Smith added: “[She is] summed up in a picture frame she has in her kitchen she brought for Thanksgiving. It has one word – it says “framily” – which is defined as friends who become family.

“Her lasting legacy is one of her a wide circle of friends who, through her influence and love, and through this experience today, find ourselves as family.”

UNLV president met with Joe Biden

Saturday 9 December 2023 00:30 , Mike Bedigan

Keith Whitfield expressed his thanks to president Joe Biden, who had met with him personally following Wednesday’s tragedy.

“He offered love and support for UNLV and we appreciate the support by President Biden, as well as the support from the entire Nevada congressional delegation,” he told a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Tributes paid to shooting victims by colleagues

Saturday 9 December 2023 00:27 , Mike Bedigan

Dr Margaret Harp, a colleague of Dr Naoko Takemaru, described as “lion-hearted” and a “triple threat artist”.

“I hope we will also remember her for her multiple talents,” Dr Harp said.

“She was a professional concert pianist who left that career due to physical disabilities. She embroidered beautifully, creating her own designs and every holiday season she brought us her homemade chocolates.

“In a department full of cat lovers, Naoko was a cat lover supreme. Her office is covered, floor to ceiling, wall to wall with cat pictures, drawings, puzzles and calendars.”

Dr Harp added: “Naoko was frail physically. However, she was lion-hearted... and I have no doubt she was lionhearted in her final moments on Earth.

“Godspeed Naoko you are better people for having known you. We are bereft at losing you.”

UNLV president ‘our emotions are swinging like a pendulum'

Saturday 9 December 2023 00:15 , Mike Bedigan

At a press conference on Friday afternoon, ULVN president Keith Whitfield said that the college could “feel the love” of the community following the tragic events.

“I can say that our emotions, our emotions are swinging like a pendulum. It appears sometimes at one moment that people are fine and then the next moment, it feels like they’re being knocked down by a tidal wave of grief and pain,” he said.

“It’s going to be a while before we get to whatever we can consider normal. But you know something that’s okay.”

Speaking of all those who had reached out to offer support he added: “I cannot tell you, in my role as president of this university, how much that means.

“I meet and talk to students who have been touched by the incredible generosity and it is making a difference in terms of trying to be able to get better.”

Three victims killed in UNLV mass shooting identified

Friday 8 December 2023 23:45 , Mike Bedigan

All three victims that were killed in Wednesday’s attack have now been identified.

The third, Dr Naoko Takemaru, was named on Friday after her next of kin were contacted by the coroner.

First victims in UNLV mass shooting identified

WATCH: UNLV shooting suspect captured on video after deadly rampage

Friday 8 December 2023 23:05 , Mike Bedigan

UNLV president thanks police for ‘swift and heroic action'

Friday 8 December 2023 22:15 , Mike Bedigan

On Friday, UNLV president Keith Whitfield again expressed his thanks to the University Police Services for their “remarkably swift and heroic action in the face of harrowing circumstances”.

“While we continue to grieve for the heartbreaking loss of three of our faculty members, I will be forever indebted to all of the officers – and to first responders throughout our community,” he said.

“You have our back in ways we always knew, but at the same time never could have imagined. You continue to give our campus a sense of safety when we need it most.”

Mr Whitfield added: “Thank you to our large community of supporters – from local and state agencies to hospitality and business partners, elected officials, alumni, friends, and our sister institutions throughout the Nevada System of Higher Education and beyond.

“Your kindness, your generosity, and your deep commitment to UNLV and our people reinforce my belief that Las Vegas and Nevada are uniquely special places.”

First victims in UNLV mass shooting identified

Friday 8 December 2023 21:30 , Mike Bedigan

Three people were killed and another left seriously injured during an attack on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on Wednesday.

All four of the victims were faculty members at the UNLV, the college’s president Keith Whitfield has confirmed. Two of the three deceased have now been named.

Here’s what we know about the victims so far:

First victims in UNLV mass shooting identified

Beam hall building at UNLV ‘remains inaccessible'

Friday 8 December 2023 20:45 , Mike Bedigan

In an update shared online, UNLV said that the Beam Hall (BEH) building, where Wednesday’ shooting took place, “remains inaccessible”.

All other buildings can be now accessed to retrieve belongings with the assistance of University Police Services, the update said, as well as all vehicles that was left on the main campus.

GoFundMe page for Navarro family raises almost $35,000 in under 24 hours

Friday 8 December 2023 20:00 , Mike Bedigan

A GoFundMe page, set up in honour of UNLV shooting victim Patricia Navarro, has raised almost $35,000 in less than 24 hours.

The page, set up by Bryan Campbell, described the Navarro family as “very much loved, kind and caring”.

“It’s with an extremely heavy heart for me to have to write this, but our CA family and Las Vegas community suffered a great loss yesterday and we are devastated and heartbroken,” the description read.

“Any support that can be given to this family is appreciated. We hope you are able to send your support for memorial and travel arrangements.

“Your generosity will make a world of difference in efforts to support the family and their time of grieving.”

All funds will go directly to the Navarro family.

Winter graduations at UNLV to proceed as planned

Friday 8 December 2023 19:30 , Mike Bedigan

Keith Whitfield, president of UNLV, said that winter graduation ceremonies at the college would continue as planned on December 19 and 20, in spite of the shooting.

Mr Whitfield said he had heard from students and parents and that “One common thread that emerged was a desire to come together” in the aftermath of Wednesday’s tragedy.

“The milestone moment of commencement is the most special day on the university calendar, and it’s in difficult times like these that we can and should celebrate our graduates’ academic dreams fulfilled.

“We know that the trauma of this week’s tragedy impacts each one of us in different ways. For those eligible to participate in this winter’s commencement who choose not to attend at this time, you will have the option to walk and participate fully during the May 2024 commencement ceremonies.

“We believe these decisions regarding finals and commencement provide flexibility for both students and faculty, and offer the best path forward for our university.”

In a statement posted to the UNLV website, Mr Whitfield also thanked the students, faculty and staff.

“Your resilience amidst near insurmountable adversity continues to amaze me. In the short time since Wednesday’s incident, I’ve met with some of you to listen and to learn, and I acknowledge the pain, fear, and anxiety that many are experiencing right now. I feel it too,” he said.

What happened in the UNLV shooting?

Friday 8 December 2023 18:00 , Martha Mchardy

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department chief Kevin McMahill said Anthony Polito was armed with a handgun and a stash of ammunition when he allegedly shot four faculty members at around 11.45am on Wednesday morning on the campus of the University of Nevada in Beam Hall, where the college’s Lee Business School is located.

UNLV Police Chief Adam Garcia said that he first opened fire on the fourth floor of the building before he moved through several other floors.

An “active shooter” alert was sent to students, staff and faculty, while on- and off-duty police officers rushed to the location where they found Polito outside of Beam Hall armed with a handgun. A shootout unfolded and the 67-year-old was then shot dead by police.

Three victims, including assistant professor Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39, and Dr Cha Jan Chang, 64, were killed in the attack. The third victim, who is also believed to be a faculty member, has not yet been identified by police.

A fourth person, who has been identified only as a 38-year-old male who was a visiting professor, is in hospital in a stable condition, police said.

The active shooter alert was lifted and an all-clear given around 40 minutes after the first reports of gunfire.

At a press conference shortly afterwards, sheriff McMahill said there was “no further threat” to the community.

Latest pictures from UNLV after three people killed in shooting

Friday 8 December 2023 17:00 , Martha Mchardy

Who are the three people killed in the UNLV shooting?

Friday 8 December 2023 16:30 , Martha Mchardy

Three people have died in a shooting on the University of Nevada‘s Las Vegas campus.

Assistant professor of accounting Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39, is among those dead, as well as Dr Cha Jan Chang, 64.

Both died from a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Clark County coroner.

Ms Navarro-Velez joined UNLV five years ago after receiving her PhD in accounting from the University of Central Florida, and her MAcc from Bowling Green State University, as well as a BBA in accounting from the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce.

Meanwhile, Dr Chang was a longtime educator of management information systems, who had spent more than 20 years of his academic career teaching a generation of UNLV Lee Business School students, said college president Kevin Whitfield.

The third victim, who is also believed to be a faculty member, has not yet been identified by police.

A fourth person, who has been identified only as a 38-year-old male who was a visiting professor, was injured in the attack and is in hospital in a stable condition, police said.

It is not clear if there is a connection between the victims and the gunman or if they were specifically targeted in the mass shooting.

UNLV students ‘no longer feel safe’ on campus after shooting

Friday 8 December 2023 15:30 , Martha Mchardy

UNLV students have told of their horror after a gunman killed three people on campus and injured a fourth.

Police said the suspect, identified only as a 67-year-old college professor, shot at students in Beam Hall, where the college’s Lee Business School is located.

Journalism student Shainna Alipon told ABC7 she heard gunfire from inside the Student Union Building next door.

“We made our way down the stairs of the building just to escape and while we were walking down, we heard even more gunshots. I said ‘oh my gosh, I hope the shooter doesn’t come to the building where we’re at,’” she said.

“My editor-in-chief, he was kind of snapping me out of it, he was like, ‘hey can I borrow your phone? We have to take video of this; you know, we’re the press,’ and I was like, ‘oh shoot - you’re right.’ So I snapped out of it, started taking more videos, started talking to a little more people trying to see ‘hey is everyone on your end OK? What do you think is going on?’ It kind of solidified for the first time today - ‘oh I am a journalist; this is like my job,’” Ms Alipon added.

Meanwhile, Tinio, from Hercules, California told ABC he no longer fells safe on campus.

“I don’t feel safe anymore. Finals are next week and all of our finals are supposed to be in-person,” he said.

“It just makes me feel scared for the future because it’s getting closer and closer to me, closer and closer to my family, people who I love.”

Watch: Police respond to shooting at University of Nevada

Friday 8 December 2023 14:00 , Martha Mchardy

What was the motive for the shooting?

Friday 8 December 2023 13:00 , Martha Mchardy

Police currently do not have a motive for the killings, and said investigations would likely take a long time.

Sheriff McMahill told the press conference: “We will be conducting this investigation into the wee hours of the morning, there is no doubt.

“I know you have an insatiable appetite like I do to find out why, to understand motivation, and we will provide that to you at the appropriate time.”

Las Vegas police are now searching an apartment in Henderson, Nevada, believed to be connected to the gunman, ABC News reported.

Police have also seized the suspect’s cellphone and professional papers to look for possible clues as to the motive for the attack.

Recap: What we know about the UNLV shooting

Friday 8 December 2023 11:40 , Mike Bedigan

The gunman behind Wednesday’s attack has now been officially named by police as 67-year-old Anthony Polito.

Two of the three deceased victims have also been named, with a fourth also still recovering in hospital.

A motive is yet to be established. Here’s what we know so far:

What we know about the UNLV shooting

Gunman was “obsessed” with student reviews: former student

Friday 8 December 2023 11:20 , Rachel Sharp

One of Polito’s former students at East Carolina, Paul Whittington, told The Associated Press that Anthony Polito often talked about his regular trips to Las Vegas.

He also seemed obsessive over anonymous student reviews at the end of each semester, Whittington said.

Polito told Mr Whittington’s class that he remembered the faces of students who gave him bad reviews and would express that he was sure who they were and where they sat, pointing at seats in the classroom, Mr Whittington said.

“He always talked about the negative feedback he got,” said Mr Whittington, now 33, who took Polito’s intro to operations management class in 2014.

“He didn’t get a lot of it, but there would always be one student every semester, or at least one student every class, that would give a negative review. And he fixated on those.”

Gunman Anthony Polito’s stash of ammunition revealed

Friday 8 December 2023 11:00 , Rachel Sharp

Gunman Anthony Polito was armed with a handgun and a stash of ammunition when he carried out the attack at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. campus building this week.

Police said on Thursday that the 67-year-old college professor stuffed loaded handgun magazines into his waistband before walking onto the campus and killing three faculty members.

Polito was found to be carrying nine magazines for a 9mm handgun he’d legally purchased last year.

He was also carrying a list of targets at the school — although none of those shot were on that list, police said.

UNLV shooting suspect had ‘target list’ of people before deadly attack

Friday 8 December 2023 10:40 , Rachel Sharp

The suspected gunman who fatally shot three faculty members at the University of Nevada‘s Las Vegas campus had a “target list”, according to the police.

All individuals on the “target list” have been reached, except for one person currently travelling abroad, police said.

“None of the individuals on the target list became a victim,” Clark County sheriff Kevin McMahill said on Thursday.

The suspect, who has now been publicly identified by police, was killed during a shoot-out with officers shortly after the attack began.

Read the full story:

UNLV shooting suspect had ‘target list’ of people before deadly attack

Three dead after shooting at Las Vegas college campus

Friday 8 December 2023 10:00 , Mike Bedigan

Three people are dead and one victim remains hospitalised in stable condition after a shooting on a Las Vegas college campus.

Police said that the suspected gunman – now identified as 67-year-old Anthony Polito – was killed by responding officers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas after the shooting on Wednesday.

Graeme Massie has the story:

Three killed after ‘professor’ goes on Nevada college shooting rampage

White powder sent to universities by UNLV shooter ‘harmless,’ say police

Friday 8 December 2023 09:28 , Martha Mchardy

The white powder found in letters sent to 22 universities by the college professor who opened fire at a Las Vegas college campus was “harmless,” police have said.

Anthony Polito sent 22 letters “to various University personnel across the country,” at least one of which contained “an unknown white powder” prior to the shooting which saw three people killed and one injured.

The letters were sent with “with no return address,” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department chief Kevin McMahill told a press conference on Thursday.

While it is still unclear what exactly the white substance was, police have confirmed it was “harmless.”

“The white powder found inside envelopes mailed by the UNLV shooter was found to be harmless,” LVMPD said in a post on X.

Police are still working to establish a motive for the attacks.

Las Vegas campus shooter sent ‘white powder’ letters to 22 universities

Friday 8 December 2023 08:45 , Mike Bedigan

Anthony Polito, 67, visited a post office in nearby Henderson on Wednesday morning and sent the letters “with no return address”, according to law enforcement.

Read the full story here:

Las Vegas campus shooter sent ‘white powder’ letters to 22 universities

Gunman previously claimed to have solved the Zodiac Killer case

Friday 8 December 2023 07:00 , Mike Bedigan

The gunman who shot and killed three people and injured another at the UNLV campus on Wednesday has been identified as 67-year-old college professor Anthony Polito.

The sources said Polito had unsuccessfully applied for a college professorship at UNLV sometime prior to embarking on the deadly rampage.

He also previously worked as a professor at colleges in Georgia and North Carolina, and kept a personal website where he proudly documented his academic achievements – and claimed to have solved the Zodiac Killer case.

On a section of the website titled “Theories Regarding Various Mysteries & Puzzles”, he shared a 15-page article – dated 2014 – in which he claimed he had cracked the secret of the identity of the infamous Zodiac Killer, who terrorised Northern California in the late 1960s and taunted police with codes.

In asserting his apparent solving of the case, Polito insisted he was not “a total crackpot” or a “dumb guy” but had used his MENSA skills to reach his conclusion.

“Just so you won’t initially write off my solution as that of a total crackpot, let me first say that I have been a member of MENSA for 35 years, I hold a double undergraduate degree in Mathematics & Statistics (two skills closely associated with successful cryptographers) … and I hold a masters degree and a doctoral degree from top-tier universities as well. So I am not a dumb guy!” he wrote.

“To be fair, I must state that I do NOT have any special expertise or experience in the field of cryptography, only a general and basic knowledge of it … and neither am I an expert or especially accomplished mathematician and/or statistician.”

‘My heart aches for our UNLV family’ – college president

Friday 8 December 2023 05:00 , Mike Bedigan

Former professor had a ‘target list’

Friday 8 December 2023 04:26 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The suspect, a former college professor, was facing financial difficulties and reportedly had a “target list”, according to law enforcement.

The 67-year-old suspect was fatally shot by police during the incident at the University of Nevada on Wednesday.

Authorities suggested that the motive behind the shooting may have been the suspect’s frustration over being rejected for several job opportunities at different colleges.

Police say everyone on the “target list” has been contacted except for one person who is travelling internationally.“None of the individuals on the target list became a victim,” Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said yesterday.

Watch: Former college professor kills three on Las Vegas campus

Friday 8 December 2023 04:00 , Mike Bedigan

Local cheerleading gym pays tribute to victim of shooting

Friday 8 December 2023 02:45 , Mike Bedigan

A local cheer-leading gym appeared to pay tribute to Patricia Navarro who, according to US media, has been named as one of the victims of Wednesday’s shooting.

A post by the California Allstars gym in Las Vegas sent “deepest condolences” to the “Navarro family”.

“Our hearts are shattered as we share the devastating news of the loss of a beloved member of our Cali family in yesterday’s senseless shooting,” the Instagram post read.

“Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the Navarro family at this unimaginably difficult time. Deliana, we love you and surround you with so much love and support.”

First victims in UNLV mass shooting identified

Friday 8 December 2023 02:15 , Mike Bedigan

Three people were killed and another left seriously injured during an attack on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on Wednesday.

All four of the victims were faculty members at the UNLV, the college’s president Keith Whitfield has confirmed. Two of the three deceased have now been named.

Here’s what we know about the victims so far:

First victims in UNLV mass shooting identified

UNLV president pays tribute to identified shooting victims

Friday 8 December 2023 01:45 , Mike Bedigan

Keith Whitfield, president of UNLV said he was heartbroken by the “senseless act of violence” that had resulted in the death of three faculty members.

Dr Patricia Navarro-Velez was an assistant professor of accounting and had “devoted her career to educating the next generation of accountants”, he said.

She joined UNLV nearly five years ago as a professor of accounting, where she primarily focused on teaching accounting information systems.

Dr Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang was a longtime educator of management information systems, who had spent more than 20 years of his academic career teaching a generation of UNLV Lee Business School students.

“My heart breaks for the families, friends, and loved ones of Dr. Navarro and Dr. Chang, and for all of the victims of this senseless act of violence that has physically and emotionally affected so many,” Mr Whitfield said.

“The incredible outpouring of love, support, and concern directed to UNLV and our students and staff over the last 24 hours provides great comfort during this trying time.

“What students, employees, and campus visitors endured yesterday during the shooting and the tense aftermath is life-changing. I again thank everyone for taking the call to shelter in place seriously.

“It was imperative for law enforcement to clear every room in every building on our campus to ensure continued safety, and I’m grateful for the immense courage and cooperation you all showed.”

All four victims of UVLN shooting were faculty members, college confirms

Thursday 7 December 2023 23:34 , Graeme Massie

All four of the victims involved in Wednesday’s shooting were faculty members at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the college’s president has confirmed.

In a statement, Keith E Whitfield, said that it had been “the most difficult day in the history of our university”.

“Words are still hard to come by as we’re only beginning to process the grief, loss, anger, and fear associated with Wednesday’s tragic campus shooting that took the lives of three of our cherished faculty members. Another faculty member remains hospitalized.”

Mr Whitfield confirmed the identities of two of the victims as Patricia Navarro-Velez and Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang and that they were members of the Lee Business School faculty.

The third victim, also a UNLV faculty member, will be identified following notification of next of kin, he said.

Police report multiple casualties and suspect dead in Las Vegas: ‘There is no further threat’

Thursday 7 December 2023 23:00 , Mike Bedigan

Suspect sent 22 letters to various universities before shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 22:22 , Mike Bedigan

At the press conference, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said that prior to the shooting at the Las Vegas campus, the suspect – Anthony Polito – had visited a Henderson post office and sent 22 letters “to various University personnel across the country” with no return address.

“We are currently working with the postal inspector and our federal partners to begin processing these letters. We do not know the contents of these letters and we’re working to contact the recipients of those letters,” he said.

Mr McMahill continued: “In the screening of those envelopes that we were able to intercept, after going through 14,000 pieces of mail and identifying the 22 that were sent, the first letter that we opened had a unknown white powder substance in it.

“Our armor unit, detectives are out currently processing those envelopes and what we’re asking is that if anybody in the education world receives a letter with a no return address that is taped, we asked you to proceed with caution and contact your local authorities.

“Have particular attention from the ones that have been addressed are those that Carolina and UNLV.”

Mr McMahill added that a document “similar to a last weill and testament” was found at Polito’s residence in Henderson.

Still no motive for Las Vegas shooting known

Thursday 7 December 2023 22:17 , Mike Bedigan

Sheriff Kevin McMahill said that police were still trying to understand Polito’s motive for the shooting.

“I want to stress that we’re still learning a lot about this suspect is still trying to understand motive. We know he applied numerous times for a job with several Nevada higher education institutions, and was denied, each time he was rejected,” he said.

He added that the suspect had “a list of people he was seeking on a university campus” as well as faculty from the Eastern Carolina University.

“We have contacted almost everyone on those lists to make sure that they are all right. We have done that for all of UNLV and all of Eastern Carolina with the exception of one individual who is on an international flight,” Mr McMahill told a press conference.

He said that Polito was “struggling financially” at the time before the shooting, as evidenced by an eviction notice taped to his door when authorities executed a search warrant.

“We believe the suspect acted alone and we have zero indication of any other suspects at this time,” Mr McMahill said.

Police confirm identity of Las Vegas campus shooter

Thursday 7 December 2023 22:08 , Mike Bedigan

In a press conference on Thursday afternoon Sheriff Kevin McMahill confirmed the identity of the shooter as 67-year-old Anthony James Polito, from Henderson, Nevada.

According to Mr McMahill he had a previous criminal history of computer trespass out of Virginia in 1992.

On the day of the shooting Polito was armed with a Taurus nine-millimeter handgun, which had been purchased legally in 2022. He had brought 11 magazines to the scene with him.

Mr McMahill said nine loaded magazines were found on his person.

Two victims of UNLV shooting identified by coroner

Thursday 7 December 2023 21:03 , Mike Bedigan

The first two victims of Wednesday’s UNLV shooting have been identified.

On Thursday afternoon, the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner released the names of two of the deceased, according to Fox 5.

The first was Professor Cha Jan Chang, 64, known as “Jerry,” of Henderson. The second victim identified is Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, of Las Vegas.

The manner of death for both victims was homicide due to a gunshot wound to the head.

The third victim has also been identified but the coroner’s office is still working to identify next of kin, Fox 5 reported.

Biden condemns ‘yet another act of senseless gun violence'

Thursday 7 December 2023 19:23 , Mike Bedigan

A statement shared by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, said: “The President and the First Lady grieve the three lives lost at UNLV yesterday in yet another act of senseless gun violence.

“Our thoughts are with those who survived this incident and are and are undoubtedly traumatised by this horrific event, including one survivor who sustained critical injuries and for the brave law enforcement officers who ran towards danger and prevented further loss of life.”

Ms Jean-Pierre added: “I also want to note that less than 24 hours ago I stood at this same podium as we mourn the six lives lost in San Antonio, and here we are again today.

“When the President talks about ending the epidemic gun violence, this is what he’s talking about.

“From Las Vegas, to Texas, to Memphis, to Maine. When will it be enough? We are in crisis and we cannot continue to live like this.

“As the president said, Republican lawmakers must join Democrats in Congress to advance common sense measures to protect Americans from gun violence. Literally every day we wait becomes another day too late.”

Watch: White House grieves three killed in ‘senseless’ UNLV mass shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 19:05 , Mike Bedigan

Federal officials on the ground to support Vegas law enforcement

Thursday 7 December 2023 18:54 , Mike Bedigan

Federal officials are on the ground in Las vegas supporting local response efforts and providing all necessary assistance, following Wednesday’s shooting, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has said.

The newly established office of gun violence prevention is also coordinating federal resources to help the community recover from the tragedy.

“We know it’s not just the victims and survivors who need support, but this violence rips apart, entire communities,” Ms Jean-Pierre said.

‘It looked like every single cop in Las Vegas was at UNLV’

Thursday 7 December 2023 18:42 , Mike Bedigan

Brett Johnsen, a student attending class at UNLV when the shooting occurred, said his professor had stopped mid-lecture after hearing a loud noise, but then continued unaware of what was unfolding.

“Then an alarm came on,” Mr Johnsen told CNN. “I’ve never heard an alarm like that before, it didn’t sound like a fire alarm,”

He added that things “began to get real” when the students left the room – his professor’s face turned into panic and he urged the students to get back, lock the door and get on the ground.

A few moments later, the professor opened the door to check that it was clear and advised the students to run. Mr Johnsen said he ran as fast as he could down the stairs of the building and outside as far as he could go.

He said everyone on campus was telling each other to run and evacuate. “It looked like every single cop in Las Vegas was at UNLV,” Mr Johnsen told CNN.

What we know about the UNLV shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 18:00 , Martha Mchardy

A shooting on a college campus in Las Vegas on Wednesday has left three people dead and another seriously injured.

The suspect, who has been identified by police – though not publicly – was killed during a shoot-out with officers shortly after the attack began.

Although authorities later reassured the communtity that there was “no further threat”, many questions still remain, largely to do with the shooter and their motive.

Here’s what we know so far:

Mike Bedigan reports:

What we know about the UNLV shooting

Latest pictures from UNLV campus after shooter kills 3

Thursday 7 December 2023 17:40 , Martha Mchardy

Who is Anthony Polito? The college professor who killed three in UNLV shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 17:20 , Martha Mchardy

The gunman who killed three people and wounded a fourth in a mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, (UNLV) has been identified in multiple media reports as a career college professor who had applied for – but failed to be accepted for – a job at the school.

Anthony Polito, 67, was named by law enforcement sources to ABC News, CNN and NBC News on Thursday morning hours after the shooting, which ended with his own death. Police still have yet to release his identity.

The sources said Polito had unsuccessfully applied for a college professorship at UNLV sometime prior to embarking on the deadly rampage.

Rachel Sharp reports:

Who is Anthony Polito? College professor accused of deadly UNLV shooting

Vehicles left on campus during shooting can now be retrieved, says UNLV

Thursday 7 December 2023 17:00 , Martha Mchardy

Vehicles that were left on campus during Wednesday’s shooting can now be retrieved, INLV has said,

In a tweet, the university said Maryland Parkway has reopened to traffic. The school also noted that there will continue to be a “strong police presence and activity on the main campus” on Thursday as the investigation into the shooting continues.

Most of the university remains closed until Monday, with staff being advised to work remotely.

Watch: LeBron James reacts to UNLV shooting, calling inaction on gun control ‘ridiculous'

Thursday 7 December 2023 16:21 , Martha Mchardy

LeBron James has slammed inaction on gun control after a shooting on the UNLV campus which saw three people killed and one injured.

During a news conference in LA ahead of the inaugural in-season tournament semifinals on Thursday, the basketball player said it was “senseless” that nothing changes when it comes to gun control in the United States.

Mr James said he had received a text message from his brother on Wednesday following news of the shooting, asking him to stay safe.

He then offered his condolences to the families and friends of the victims, before condemning the lack of firearm legislation in the country as “ridiculous”.

“It just goes back to what I said before about guns in America. I think it’s such a longer conversation, but we keep dealing with the same story, this same conversation every single time it happens, and it just continues to happen,” he said. “The ability to get a gun, the ability to do these things over and over and over, and there’s been no change is literally ridiculous. It makes no sense that we continue to lose innocent lives, on campuses, schools, at shopping markets and movie theaters and all type of stuff. It’s ridiculous.

“The fact that we haven’t changed anything - it’s actually been easier to be able to own a firearm... It’s stupid,” he continued.

Mr James has been a vocal advocate for gun control and reform for years, joining a consistent stream of voices from the NBA - including Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr - on the issue whenever mass shootings have occurred across the country pleading for the government to make changes to the nation’s gun laws.

His remarks come after the NBA released a statement about the shooting, calling it “senseless”. The league is also planning a moment of silence ahead of Thursday’s semifinals, ESPN reported.

National Finals Rodeo cancels Thursday performance after UNLV shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 16:00 , Martha Mchardy

The first performance for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on Thursday night has been cancelled after a shooting on the UNLV campus which saw three people killed and one injured.

Officials from the Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors said the cancellation was “in respect for those who lost their lives on December 6.”

They added that NFR will take a day of mourning.

“All of us are saddened by the events that occurred today,” said LVE president Tim Keener. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected. We are grateful to all of the first responders, police, security, and the UNLV community for their actions today.”

PRCA CEO Tom Glause also called the shooting a “senseless act of violence”.

“Today’s shooting on the UNLV campus was alarming and deeply troubling,” Mr Glause said. “The PRCA is grateful for the rapid, professional response from law enforcement and first responders. Our thoughts, right now, are focused on the victims.”

Additional details about event arrangements will be announced on Thursday, organizers said.

Gunman identified as 67-year-old professor Anthony Polito

Thursday 7 December 2023 15:48 , Rachel Sharp

The gunman who killed three people and wounded a fourth in a mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has been identified as a career college professor who had applied for – but failed to be accepted for – a job at the school, according to reports.

Law enforcement sources told The Associated Press, CNN and NBC News that the suspect is 67-year-old Anthony Polito. He had previously unsuccessfully sought a job at the school.

How bad is US gun violence?

Thursday 7 December 2023 15:40 , Martha Mchardy

According to analysis by CNN, Wednesday’s shooting at UNLV marks the 80th US school shooting this year.

Of those, 51 shootings have been reported on K-12 campuses and 29 on university and college campuses, according to the outlet. This figure includes the latest shooting in Las Vegas on the UNLV campus.

In his remarks, Mr Biden highlighted that in 2023 the country had experienced more than 600 mass shootings, and approximately 40,000 deaths due to gun violence.

“This is not normal, and we can never let it become normal,” he said.

UNLV president issues statement following campus shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 15:20 , Martha Mchardy

UNLV president Keith Whitfield has released a statement following a shooting on campus which saw three people killed and one injured.

Mr Whitfield described the shooting as “senseless” and thanked emergency services, as well as students and staff who worked to ensure people’s safety.

“It is with the utmost sadness and grief that I am writing to you about a shooting that took place late this morning on our campus – our home,” he said in a statement on Wednesday. “We’re all still in shock as we process the unfathomable event. Members of our community lost their lives and others were injured. My heart aches for our UNLV family. I know all of us are sending our love and support to the victims, their families, and friends during this difficult time.”

He continued: “We will forever remember and honor those we have lost and who were injured. I’m grieving for the victims of today’s senseless shooting, and my heart breaks for the many students, faculty, staff, parents, loved ones, and community members who suffered through hours of painful uncertainty while officers ensured that our campus was safe and secure again.

“UNLV is strong and UNLV is resilient. Our community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni will pull together to support one another in this time of crisis. Know it’s okay not to be okay at this dark time. Ask for help if you need it. You are part of an incredible community and together we will pull through.”

The campus, about two miles from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, will remain closed on Thursday and Friday.

UNLV students ‘no longer feel safe’ on campus after shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 15:00 , Martha Mchardy

UNLV students have told of their horror after a gunman killed three people on campus and injured a fourth.

Police said the suspect, identified only as a 67-year-old college professor, shot at students in Beam Hall, where the college’s Lee Business School is located.

Journalism student Shainna Alipon told ABC7 she heard gunfire from inside the Student Union Building next door.

“We made our way down the stairs of the building just to escape and while we were walking down, we heard even more gunshots. I said ‘oh my gosh, I hope the shooter doesn’t come to the building where we’re at,’” she said.

“My editor-in-chief, he was kind of snapping me out of it, he was like, ‘hey can I borrow your phone? We have to take video of this; you know, we’re the press,’ and I was like, ‘oh shoot - you’re right.’ So I snapped out of it, started taking more videos, started talking to a little more people trying to see ‘hey is everyone on your end OK? What do you think is going on?’ It kind of solidified for the first time today - ‘oh I am a journalist; this is like my job,’” Ms Alipon added.

Meanwhile, Tinio, from Hercules, California told ABC he no longer fells safe on campus.

“I don’t feel safe anymore. Finals are next week and all of our finals are supposed to be in-person,” he said.

“It just makes me feel scared for the future because it’s getting closer and closer to me, closer and closer to my family, people who I love.”

Watch: Police respond to shooting at University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus

Thursday 7 December 2023 14:40 , Martha Mchardy

Police have ’no idea on the motive’ for the shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 14:20 , Martha Mchardy

Police have “no idea on the motive” for the shooting, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sheriff, Kevin McMahill, said at a press conference on Wednesday.

“We will be conducting this investigation into the wee hours of the morning, there is no doubt,” he added.

“I know you have an insatiable appetite like I do to find out why, to understand motivation, and we will provide that to you at the appropriate time.”

The shooter has not been named by police, but he has been identified as a 67-year-old college professor who had applied for – but failed to be accepted for – a job at the University of Nevada.

Police are searching the suspect’s home and have seized his cellphone and professional papers to look for possible clues as to the motive for the attack.

Joe Biden comments on shootings in Nevada and Texas

Thursday 7 December 2023 14:00 , Mike Bedigan

Here are the remarks made by president Joe Biden on Wednesday, following the shooting at a Las Vegas university:

“Yesterday, in Austin and San Antonio, at least six people were killed and several more injured by a gunman—leaving families devastated, and communities forever changed. And just hours ago, the University of Nevada at Las Vegas became the latest college campus to be terrorized by a horrific act of gun violence, and the community is still awaiting information on casualties,” he said.

“Jill and I join citizens across our nation in praying for the families of our fallen, and for those who were injured during these latest acts of senseless violence. We are also grateful for the courageous work of law enforcement—who risked their own safety to bring an end to these deadly shooting sprees. Federal law enforcement officials are on the ground working with State and local law enforcement in both states and I have directed that all necessary support be provided to assist in the investigations and support these communities.

“This year alone, our nation has experienced more than 600 mass shootings, and approximately 40,000 deaths due to gun violence. This is not normal, and we can never let it become normal.

“For all the action we have taken since I’ve been President, the epidemic of gun violence we face demands that we do even more. But we cannot do more without Congress. Republican lawmakers must join with Democrats in Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, pass a national red flag law, enact universal background checks, require the safe storage of guns, and advance other commonsense measures that will help stem the tide of gun violence.

“And together, we must do more to prevent more families, and more communities like Austin, San Antonio, and Las Vegas, from being ripped apart by gun violence.”

In pictures: Police respond to Las Vegas campus shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 13:20 , Mike Bedigan

Police will not officially identity suspect until next of kin are informed

Thursday 7 December 2023 13:00 , Mike Bedigan

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said on Wednesday that it has identified the suspect in the shooting at a university campus, but would not be releasing it until the families of victims have been contacted.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill, told a press conference: “I would also like to tell you that we do know the identity of the suspect in this case, but I will not be releasing his name tonight until after the next of kin notification.”

However, law enforcement sources told The Associated Press, CNN and NBC News that the suspect is 67-year-old Anthony Polito.

The identity of the three victims are also yet to be released by police.

Democratic Senator slams Republicans for blocking gun law – hours before UNLV shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 12:40 , Rachel Sharp

Democratic Senator Chris Murphy has slammed Republicans for blocking the passage of a gun law – just hours before the shooting at the University of Nevada.

“Today I asked my colleagues to pass my universal firearms background checks legislation. It’s supported by 90% of Americans and would save thousands of lives. Republicans blocked it. Three hours later, another mass shooting in UNLV. This carnage is a choice,” he wrote on X.

A ‘career professor’ gunman, three killed and a campus in fear: What we know about the UNLV shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 12:21 , Rachel Sharp

A shooting on a college campus in Las Vegas on Wednesday has left three people dead and another seriously injured.

The suspect, who has been identified by police – though not publicly – was killed during a shoot-out with officers shortly after the attack began.

Although authorities later reassured the commmuntity that there was “no further threat”, many questions still remain, largely to do with the shooter and their motive.

Here’s what we know so far:

What we know about the UNLV shooting

IN PICTURES: Aftermath of the UNLV shooting

Thursday 7 December 2023 12:00 , Rachel Sharp

How the shooting unfolded

Thursday 7 December 2023 11:40 , Rachel Sharp

The University of Nevada shooting unfolded at around 11.45am on Wednesday morning when gunfire rung out from Beam Hall, where the college’s Lee Business School is located.

UNLV Police Chief Adam Garcia told CNN that the gunman – a professor who had tried unsuccessfully to get a job at the school – opened fire on the fourth floor of the building before moving through several other floors.

An “active shooter” alert was sent to students, staff and faculty, while on- and off-duty police officers rushed to the location.

Two university police detectives then encountered the shooter outside of Beam Hall and a shootout unfolded.

The gunman was shot dead in the exchange of gunfire.

The active shooter alert was lifted and an all-clear given around 40 minutes after the first reports of gunfire.

Las Vegas police search home connected to gunman

Thursday 7 December 2023 11:20 , Rachel Sharp

Las Vegas police are searching an apartment believed to be connected to the gunman who killed three and wounded a fourth in Wednesday’s shooting – before he was shot dead by officers.

ABC News reported that investigators were on the scene of the property in Henderson, Nevada, late on Wednesday.

Police have also seized the suspect’s cellphone and professional papers to look for possible clues as to the motive for the attack.

Three dead and one victim in critical condition after shooting at Las Vegas college campus

Thursday 7 December 2023 11:00 , Mike Bedigan

Three people are dead and one victim remains in critical condition after a shooting on a Las Vegas college campus.

The identity of the victims’ have not yet been made public. The identity of the dead suspect has also not been released by officials.

Graeme Massie has the full story:

Three dead after shooting at Las Vegas college campus

What we know about the LNVI shooting victims:

Thursday 7 December 2023 10:40 , Rachel Sharp

Three people were killed in Wednesday’s attack at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

A fourth victim was wounded and taken to hospital where they are in critical but stable condition, according to authorities.

Las Vegas police are yet to release the identities of the victims.

However, sources told ABC News that the victims were faculty or staff, and not students.

It is not clear if there is a connection between the victims and the gunman or if they were specifically targeted in the mass shooting.

WATCH: UNLV students share chilling experience

Thursday 7 December 2023 10:20 , Rachel Sharp

What we know about the UNLV shooter:

Thursday 7 December 2023 10:00 , Rachel Sharp

The gunman who killed three people and wounded a fourth in a mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has been identified as a career college professor who had applied for – but failed to be accepted for – a job at the school, according to reports.

Law enforcement sources told The Associated Press and CNN that the suspect is a 67-year-old professor who had unsuccessfully sought a job at the school.

The man had previously worked at East Carolina University in North Carolina.

The gunman was shot dead on the campus by responding officers.

Investigators are now searching through the gunman’s professional writings for possible clues as to the motive, according to ABC News.