Three People Killed in Shooting at UNLV Campus, Gunman Identified as Anthony Polito

Accident – death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KGO) — A tragic incident unfolded at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, as urgent alerts echoed through the campus, warning students of an active shooter. The terrifying situation left three people dead, including the suspect who was engaged in a shootout with campus officers.

Law enforcement sources have identified the gunman as 67-year-old Anthony Polito, a former college professor who had previously worked in North Carolina and Georgia. Polito had reportedly sought a job at UNLV, adding another layer of shock to this horrific event.

The shooting began inside Beam Hall, the home of the university’s business school. The sound of gunfire reverberated throughout the campus, sending students and faculty into a state of panic. UNLV student, Shainna Alipon, shared her harrowing experience, stating that she heard the shots from inside the Student Union Building adjacent to Beam Hall. Alipon and others quickly took cover, fearing for their lives.

“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,'” Alipon recounted.

Once Alipon found safety across the street, she captured the chaos on her cell phone, documenting the evacuation of students and the arrival of law enforcement. Alipon, who is just three weeks away from graduating with a journalism degree, felt compelled to fulfill her role as a journalist amidst the chaos.

“My editor-in-chief snapped me out of it and said, ‘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, and started talking to more people, trying to make sure everyone was safe. It kind of solidified for the first time today – oh, I am a journalist, this is like my job,” Alipon shared.

Another UNLV student, Kaitlyn Tinio, who hails from the Bay Area, was on the opposite side of the campus when she received the alert from the school urging everyone to “run, hide, fight.”

“I immediately ran to the student apartments across the street because I know people who live there, and I’ve been here ever since,” Tinio said.

In the midst of this tragedy, the identities of the victims have not yet been released. Authorities are diligently working to understand the motive behind Polito’s actions, as Sheriff Kevin McMahill expressed during a 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,” Sheriff McMahill assured.

As the day wore on, an organization brought therapy dogs to the campus to provide comfort and solace to those affected by the traumatic events.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has made the difficult decision to close its campus for the remainder of the week. This closure has left students like Tinio feeling a mix of relief and overwhelming uncertainty.

“I don’t feel safe anymore. Finals are next week, and all of our finals are supposed to be in-person,” Tinio expressed, highlighting the immediate impact of this tragedy on the academic lives of students.

Tinio, who hails from Hercules, also shared her deep concern for the future, stating, “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.”

This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges that educational institutions face in ensuring the safety and security of their students. As the investigation continues, the UNLV community and the nation mourn the lives lost and grapple with the aftermath of yet another tragic school shooting..