UNLV Campus Shooting: Students Recall Horror as Gunman Targets University

LAS VEGAS, (UNLV Campus Shooting)- In a harrowing incident that sent shockwaves through the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) campus, a gunman opened fire, leaving three dead and one injured. The horrifying event unfolded on Wednesday, prompting students and faculty to recall moments of terror and chaos.

The unidentified assailant went on a shooting rampage inside Beam Hall, moving from floor to floor, and was only brought to a halt through the heroic actions of campus police officers who engaged him in a firefight, according to law enforcement officials. Sheriff Kevin McMahill described the incident as a “heinous, unforgivable crime.”

The tragedy began to unfold at approximately 11:45 a.m., originating on the fourth floor of Beam Hall, where students had gathered for various activities. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots, causing panic to grip the campus.

UNLV junior Danny Coleman recounted the horrific scene, saying, “We heard shots; we heard a bunch of shots, and the second police got there, they went in, and more shots were fired.” UNLV junior Danny Coleman told KTNV ABC 13.

Campus police officers confronted the suspect, resulting in a deadly shootout that ended the assailant’s life. The quick response of law enforcement likely prevented additional casualties, as students had been engaging in games and activities just outside the building.

Three individuals lost their lives during the incident, while a fourth gunshot victim was initially in critical condition but later upgraded to stable. Four other students were hospitalized due to panic attacks, and some law enforcement officers sustained minor injuries during the response.

Students were instructed to shelter in place as police worked to evacuate buildings one at a time after UNLV Campus Shooting. The order was lifted late Wednesday night, providing some relief to the campus community, but the emotional scars of the traumatic event linger.

Mike Henderson, a UNLV student, shared his experience, stating that he had sought refuge in a classroom when the shooting started. He was later escorted out by police and encountered a person injured and bleeding, a sight he never expected to witness personally.

As investigations continue, authorities have not yet revealed the motive behind the shooting or details about the weapon used. Law enforcement has identified the deceased shooter but withheld the name pending notification of next of kin.

UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield expressed his condolences and described the incident as “unfathomable.” He wrote, “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.”

While there is no further threat to the university, UNLV has closed for the remainder of the week to allow the community to cope with the aftermath of this tragic event.

President Joe Biden offered his prayers for the affected families and commended the “courageous” officers involved in ending the shooting spree. He also called on Congress to enact gun safety laws, emphasizing the need to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The UNLV campus shooting has left a deep scar on the community, serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding gun violence in the United States.

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