Financially Struggling Academic Identified as Gunman in University Shooting

Las Vegas, NV – The University of Nevada, Las Vegas was left in shock after a gunman entered Beam Hall, the campus building that houses the university’s business school, and opened fire, killing three professors and injuring another. Police have now identified the shooter as 67-year-old Anthony James Polito, a financially struggling academic residing in Henderson, Nevada.

Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department revealed Polito’s identity during a press conference held on Thursday. McMahill shared, “Our suspect is identified as Anthony James Polito, a semi-retired business professor who lived in Henderson, Nevada.”

Polito’s financial difficulties were apparent, with reports indicating that he was facing eviction from his home. Furthermore, investigators have discovered that Polito had been denied employment by several higher education institutions within the state. These challenges may have contributed to the gunman’s state of mind.

While the motive behind the shooting remains unknown, authorities have uncovered disturbing details. Polito had compiled a “target list” of individuals associated with both UNLV and a university in Greenville, North Carolina, where he had previously taught. Fortunately, none of the individuals on the list became victims, and authorities have made contact with most of them to ensure their safety.

In addition to the target list, Polito had also sent nearly two dozen suspicious letters to various university personnel across the country. These letters, sent from a Henderson post office, lacked a return address, leaving recipients uncertain about their origin and intent.

Police have confirmed that Polito legally purchased a Taurus 9mm handgun in 2022, which he used in the shooting. He had also carried 150 rounds of ammunition at the time of the incident.

Authorities are still working to determine the precise motive behind Polito’s rampage. However, they believe that students were not the primary target of the attack, though the exact intentions remain unclear.