Accident – death – Obituary News :

UNLV Students and Activists Call for Multi-Pronged Approach to End Gun Violence

A group of UNLV students and activists held a press conference on Thursday, demanding immediate action to address the pervasive issue of gun violence. The conference took place outside a coffee shop on South Maryland Parkway, just north of the UNLV campus. Students who had experienced the recent mass shooting shared their harrowing stories and called for a comprehensive strategy to prevent such tragedies in the future.

A Tragic Incident

Last week’s mass shooting at UNLV claimed the lives of three esteemed professors: Naoko Takemaru, Patricia Navarro Velez, and Cha-Jan “Jerry” Chang. The gunman, identified as Anthony Polito, 67, was subsequently shot and killed by university police. The devastating loss of these individuals has left the entire UNLV community in mourning.

Student Accounts

Zena Hajji, a political science student at UNLV, was attending a training session organized by Rise Nevada when the shooting occurred. Rise Nevada focuses on restoring funding to public higher education, advocating for free education, and empowering students to lead advocacy campaigns. Hajji, along with over 80 other students, found themselves in Room 208 of the student union, where they took refuge during the unfolding tragedy.

During the press conference, Rise Nevada’s state director, Chris Solomon, shared Hajji’s account. He mentioned that the training session was abruptly interrupted by the mass shooting. The students received text alerts about an active shooter on campus, causing panic and uncertainty among the group.

After being escorted to safety by the police, Hajji and her fellow students had to walk past a lifeless body. At the time, they were unaware that it was the body of the shooter, Anthony Polito. The sight was traumatic for many, leaving an indelible mark on their minds.

Hajji recounted the safety measures she had learned during drills in high school. Students barricaded doors, turned off lights, and sought refuge in different areas of the room. The fear and uncertainty they experienced were overwhelming. Hajji emphasized that no one should have to possess such knowledge and endure such traumatic situations.

Millan Gledhill, a political science and film student who was also present during the Rise training session, expressed his reluctance to discuss his experience at that moment. He revealed that he would forever be haunted by the decision he had to make in that room and the disturbing image of bloodstains on the concrete floor.

Addressing Root Causes

Amanda Hanson, a 36-year-old hospitality student, expressed relief that the shooter, Polito, is no longer a threat. Chris Solomon, speaking on behalf of Rise Nevada, stated that the rising generation, including himself and the UNLV students, are weary of America’s culture of violence. However, Solomon emphasized that guns alone are not the sole issue; mental health and other underlying factors contribute to the root causes of gun violence.

Solomon stressed that enough is enough, and the time for meaningful action is now. He criticized the cycle of offering thoughts and prayers without substantial change. Rise Nevada highlighted in a press release that the UNLV shooting was the 633rd mass shooting in the United States this year alone.

Regrettably, more mass shootings have occurred since then. According to the Gun Violence Archive, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization, there have been 636 mass shootings in the US so far this year. This number includes a recent incident in northwest Las Vegas, where four deaths were attributed to a murder-suicide.

A Sense of Insecurity

Zena Hajji expressed her ongoing concern for her safety on campus. Despite living on campus, she no longer feels secure and finds it challenging to be alone, given the traumatic experience she endured during the mass shooting.

It is imperative that urgent measures are taken to address gun violence comprehensively. The UNLV students and activists are resolute in their demand for change and are determined to bring an end to the pervasive culture of violence in America.

For media inquiries, please contact Brett Clarkson at bclarkson@reviewjournal.com.

.