In a devastating incident at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus on Wednesday morning, three lives were lost in a shooting.
Law enforcement officers engaged and fatally shot the yet-to-be-identified suspect.
The police reported that one additional victim is in critical condition at a local hospital, while another remains in stable condition.
UNLV and other institutions in the Southern Nevada System of Higher Education are closed for the remainder of Wednesday in response to the tragedy.
The unfolding events began with a tweet from the university around 11:53 local time, informing the community about police responding to reports of gunfire on campus.
Approximately 20 minutes later, another alert indicated additional shots near the Student Union building, prompting urgent warnings for students to evacuate and follow the “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT” protocol commonly employed during active shooter situations in the US.
Adam Garcia, the university police chief, revealed that two campus officers engaged the suspect in a shootout, resulting in the suspect’s death.
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, as stated by Kevin McMahill, the sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
A student on campus shared the tense atmosphere, recounting the uncertainty and fear among students as they sought refuge.
The impact of the incident extended beyond the immediate casualties, with four individuals hospitalized for panic attacks and two police officers treated for minor injuries.
President Joe Biden expressed condolences, acknowledging UNLV as the “latest college campus to be terrorized by a horrific act of gun violence.”
Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman described the news as “tragic and heart-breaking” and offered prayers for everyone affected.
The situation prompted a ground stop at the nearby Harry Reid International Airport, with security concerns cited.
Travelers were advised to check flight statuses, and road closures around the airport were implemented due to police activity.
The UNLV campus initiated building evacuations, progressing cautiously. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo maintained constant communication with law enforcement and emergency responders.
The FBI and ATF joined local police in the ongoing investigation.
To aid those affected, the Clark County Fire Department established a family reunification center at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
In response to the tragedy, UNLV announced the closure of its campus not only for the remainder of Wednesday but also for Thursday and Friday.
US Halts Osprey Fleet Operations Following Fatal Crash In Japan
