On December 6, 2023, a tragic shooting occurred at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) leaving three dead and one critically injured. The Las Vegas Metro Police Department confirmed the death of the suspect responsible for the attack.

Timeline of Events

• 11:45 am: The shooting commenced on the fourth floor of the Lee Business School building on the UNLV campus.
• Approximately 12:30 pm: Law enforcement confirmed the suspect’s death. The incident involved a shootout between the assailant and two university detectives.
• Immediate aftermath: Students and faculty received alerts, compelling them to seek shelter by barricading themselves in classrooms and dormitories.

Witness Accounts

Vincent Perez, a UNLV English professor, described hearing repeated shots and the sound of what seemed like a high-powered weapon. He said, “sounded like a high-powered weapon – just echoing, echoing in a way that … makes you realize this is somebody out to kill people”.

In the midst of a presentation, students quickly move out from the building with many windows due to immediate safety concerns.

Police Response

UNLV Police Chief Adam Garcia reported that two university detectives shot and neutralized the assailant, eliminating the threat. Police contained the incident to the Lee Business School building and assured the public that there was no ongoing threat.

Community Impact

The incident deeply affected the UNLV campus community, which comprises over 30,000 students. The shooting stirred memories of the 2017 massacre near the Las Vegas Strip, the deadliest in recent U.S. history.

National Context

This happened after more shootings, including a deadly one in Austin, Texas, the day before, where six people died. This year, there were a record-breaking 38 deadliest mass shootings in the United States. In each incident, the shooter shot and killed four or more people.

The UNLV campus shooting on December 6, 2023, has left the university community in shock and mourning. Authorities will investigate the attack to determine the motive and work on preventing similar tragedies in the future.