Las Vegas – In a chilling development, the suspect in the tragic mass shooting at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), which left three people dead, has been identified as Anthony Dr.Polito (Tony Polito, Ph.D), a 67-year-old professor. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves across the campus and beyond.
Anthony Polito, who had once aspired to join the faculty at UNLV but was unsuccessful, turned the university’s campus into a scene of horror just before noon. According to ABC News, law enforcement sources revealed that Polito, armed with a handgun, opened fire on the fourth floor of Beam Hall, home to UNLV’s business school.
The horrifying episode began around 11:45 a.m., near the bustling student union building. By the time police responded to the scene, three individuals had tragically lost their lives, and a fourth victim was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical but stable condition.
Eyewitnesses describe a scene of chaos and panic as students and faculty scrambled for safety amid the gunfire. The university, known for its vibrant campus life, was suddenly enveloped in a state of lockdown and fear.
The confrontation with Polito culminated in a shootout with two police detectives who were swift to respond to the emergency. Polito was killed in the exchange, ending the rampage but leaving many questions unanswered.
In a bizarre twist, it has emerged that Polito claimed to have solved the mystery of the infamous Zodiac Killer, a detail that adds a perplexing layer to his motives and state of mind.
This tragedy has ignited a conversation about campus security and mental health support in academic institutions. UNLV officials, in conjunction with local law enforcement, are investigating the incident and reviewing campus safety protocols.
As the university community mourns, counseling services and support groups have been made available to students, staff, and faculty impacted by this devastating event.
The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of next of kin. The university plans to hold a vigil to honor the lives lost and to show solidarity in the face of such senseless violence.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire UNLV community during this difficult time.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
