The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) campus experienced the horrors of an active shooter situation, leaving multiple victims in its wake.
The incident unfolded around midday on Wednesday at Frank and Estella Beam Hall, also known as BEH, causing fear and concern throughout the community.
Tragedy Strikes UNLV
Las Vegas police were swift to respond, stating on social media that read, “We are responding to preliminary reports of an #ActiveShooter on the campus of UNLV near BEAM Hall.
There appear to be multiple victims at this time.” The university’s police force immediately took action, urging individuals on campus to shelter in place as they worked diligently to contain and address the unfolding situation.
In a subsequent update, Las Vegas police confirmed the suspected shooter had been located and was deceased. The identity of the shooter and the motive behind this tragic incident remain shrouded in uncertainty, adding to the community’s distress.
This devastating event follows closely on the heels of a series of shootings in Austin, Texas, just a day prior, where six lives were lost, and three others sustained injuries. A former military member was charged in connection with the Austin shootings.
The UNLV shooting occurred during a concerning surge in mass shootings across the United States. This week alone, the country surpassed its record for the highest number of deadly mass shootings in a single year.
The grim milestone now stands at 38 cases, surpassing last year’s record of 36, where four or more people, excluding the shooter, lost their lives. As the UNLV community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, our thoughts and condolences are with the victims and their families.
Law enforcement officials must conduct a thorough investigation to piece together the details surrounding the incident and provide much-needed answers.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene reveal the terror that unfolded, with Vincent Perez, an English professor at UNLV, describing the chilling sound of seven or eight loud shots echoing in rapid succession.
Students shelter in place, anxiously awaiting law enforcement to secure the campus.
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Nevada Governor Calls for Unity
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has urged those on campus to follow the instructions of law enforcement as they work to evacuate the campus. The FBI has also arrived on the scene, assisting local law enforcement.
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond UNLV, prompting the closure of the College of Southern Nevada, located about 10 miles north of UNLV.
Both institutions and other Nevada System of Higher Education institutions are closed for the remainder of the day. As the nation grapples with yet another senseless act of violence, the UNLV shooting serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to address and prevent such incidents.
The scars of the deadliest mass shooting in US history, which occurred in Las Vegas in October 2017, still linger in the community’s collective memory, adding weight to the sorrow and concern surrounding this latest tragedy.
The road to healing for UNLV and its community will be challenging. Still, in unity and resilience, they stand against the darkness that has once again touched their campus.
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