Las Vegas, Nevada – Newly released video footage from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has unveiled the chilling moments of a deadly rampage that occurred last December. The video includes a campus police officer bravely confronting and fatally shooting a gunman outside a building on campus, after the gunman had already claimed the lives of three professors and left another critically wounded.
The gunman, identified as Anthony Polito, a 67-year-old former business professor from North Carolina, had been turned down for teaching positions at UNLV. Armed with a legally purchased 9 mm handgun and carrying nine bullet magazines, Polito carried out a 10-minute terror spree on the campus, although none of his victims were on his target list of names.
The footage released by the university shows the intense gunfire that claimed the lives of three individuals inside the business school, prompting a swift response from campus security and local law enforcement. The video reveals the chaos and fear that gripped the campus, as students and faculty fled the scene in the wake of the shooting.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, 911 recordings captured the panic and desperation of those in harm’s way, including a father who received a text from his daughter hiding in a classroom. The recordings depict the alarming reality faced by those on campus during the rampage, as police worked to secure the area and ensure the safety of all individuals.
UNLV President Keith Whitfield provided updates on the condition of the wounded professor, stating that he was undergoing rehabilitation and steadily improving. The president expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the university community in the wake of the tragic event.
The release of the video and audio recordings sheds light on the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to evacuate and secure the campus, ultimately determining that the gunman had acted alone and that there was no further threat. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the continued prevalence of gun violence, echoing the tragic mass shooting that occurred just miles away from the UNLV campus in 2017.
As the university and community grapple with the aftermath of the deadly rampage, the newly released footage offers a sobering reminder of the impact of senseless violence on individuals and institutions. The bravery and swift actions of law enforcement personnel in responding to the tragedy are highlighted in the footage, underscoring the importance of preparedness and unity in the face of such devastating events.