Gunman who killed three professors at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was financially struggling academic

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Police reveal details about the gunman responsible for the tragic shooting

Authorities have identified the gunman who killed three professors and injured another at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) as financially struggling academic, Anthony James Polito. Police have disclosed that Polito had faced rejections from various higher-education institutions in Nevada, exacerbating his financial difficulties. The 67-year-old also sent nearly two dozen suspicious letters to faculty members across universities in the United States.

Gunman had prepared a target list and faced eviction

Investigators have revealed that Polito had compiled a “target list” of individuals associated with both UNLV and the university in North Carolina where he had previously worked. The motive behind the shooting remains uncertain; however, it appears that students were not the primary targets. Polito, who was facing eviction from his residence in Henderson, a suburb of Las Vegas, had a criminal record of computer trespass dating back to 1992 in Virginia. Despite this, there were no apparent signs of potential violence.

Gunman’s weapon was legally obtained

The Taurus 9mm handgun used by Polito in the shooting was legally purchased in 2022, according to Sheriff Kevin McMahill of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Law enforcement officials believe that Polito acted alone in the attack.

Victims identified as faculty members at UNLV

All four individuals shot inside Beam Hall, the building that houses UNLV’s business school, were faculty members. Two of the deceased have been identified as Professor Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, aged 64, and Assistant Professor Patricia Navarro Velez, aged 39. The identity of the third slain professor has been withheld pending family notification. The surviving victim remains hospitalized, and his condition has worsened.

Suspicious letters and financial struggles further investigated

Detectives have discovered that Polito visited a post office shortly before the shooting and mailed 22 letters without a return address to university personnel nationwide. Authorities intercepted all the letters, and one of them contained a suspicious white powdery substance. The contents of the letters are currently under investigation. Sheriff McMahill has urged caution for anyone in higher education who receives such an envelope and advised them to contact the authorities.

Financial difficulties and job rejections revealed

Evidence found at Polito’s residence indicates that he was experiencing financial difficulties, including an eviction notice affixed to his apartment entrance. Additionally, a document resembling a will was discovered inside. Sheriff McMahill stated that Polito had made multiple job applications to various higher-education institutions in Nevada, though it remains unclear if UNLV was among them. During the search of Polito’s home, law enforcement officials also recovered ammunition similar to the 150 rounds he carried during the attack.

UNLV campus remains closed in the aftermath of the shooting

As a result of the tragic incident, the UNLV campus will remain closed until further notice. All classes have been canceled through December 10th. Authorities are working diligently to inform the recipients of the suspicious letters, and they have confirmed that none of the targeted individuals suffered any harm.