Gunman Identified as Anthony Polito Kills Three in University of Nevada, Las Vegas Shooting

Accident – death – Obituary News : New details have emerged regarding the tragic shooting incident that took place at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. Law enforcement officials have revealed that the perpetrator, identified as 67-year-old Anthony Polito, had mailed letters to 22 individuals affiliated with various universities across the country prior to the attack. The letters were sent without a return address and one of them contained a white powder substance. Fortunately, the powder was later determined to be harmless.

Las Vegas Metro Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill stated that the contents of the letters remain unclear. However, authorities were able to intercept all 22 letters, which were mailed from a post office in Henderson, Nevada, after meticulously sifting through 14,000 pieces of mail. McMahill confirmed that all recipients of the letters have been contacted and urged anyone in the education field who receives a taped envelope with no return address to report it to local authorities.

Further investigations have revealed that Polito had applied for multiple positions within the Nevada higher education system, including at UNLV. However, he was denied each time. McMahill disclosed that the suspect possessed a list containing the names of faculty members from UNLV and East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, where he had worked from 2001 to 2017. It appears that the shooter was specifically targeting individuals on this list.

Clark County Commission Chairman Jim Gibson emphasized that students were not the intended targets in this tragic incident. McMahill confirmed that almost everyone on the list has been contacted to ensure their safety, except for one faculty member who is currently on an international flight. Fortunately, none of the faculty members listed were victims in the attack.

The shooter arrived on the UNLV campus at approximately 11:28 a.m. local time and parked his 2007 Lexus in a parking lot south of Beam Hall at 11:30 a.m. He entered Beam Hall through its southeast corner at 11:33 a.m. The first reports of gunfire were received by the police around 11:45 a.m., and the first officer arrived at the scene just 78 seconds later, as confirmed by University Police Chief Adam Garcia.

Upon hearing the shots, two officers immediately entered Beam Hall to locate and apprehend the shooter. McMahill commended their bravery and swift response. The shooter exited the building at 11:55 a.m. and was confronted by two plainclothes officers. A shootout ensued, resulting in the suspect sustaining multiple gunshot wounds before he fell to the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have identified two of the victims as Patricia Navarro-Velez, a 39-year-old assistant professor of accounting who worked on the fourth floor of Beam Hall, and ChaJan “Jerry” Chang, a 64-year-old professor of business who worked on the third floor. The identity of the third deceased victim has not yet been released. Another victim, a 38-year-old visiting professor at UNLV, is currently in critical condition at Sunrise Hospital.

Regarding the weapon used in the attack, McMahill stated that the shooter legally purchased a Taurus 9 mm handgun last year. The shooter had 11 magazines with him, nine of which were loaded and were found in a magazine carrier attached to his body. A search of the suspect’s apartment uncovered a Taurus handgun box matching the weapon used in the shooting. Additionally, officials discovered a chair in the apartment with an arrow pointing towards a document resembling a last will and testament, though its contents were not disclosed.

Financial struggles were also uncovered during the investigation, as evidenced by an eviction notice posted on the front door of the suspect’s apartment. McMahill expressed relief that the shooter did not carry out any further acts of violence beyond the UNLV attack.

As the investigation continues, authorities are analyzing the suspect’s social media accounts and personal devices in search of any warning signs or motives. It has been determined that the shooter acted alone, and no other plans of violence have been uncovered thus far.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. The UNLV community and the wider education sector have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious packages or envelopes with no return address to local authorities..