Deadly UNLV shooting adds to record-breaking year of gun violence in U.S.

The year marked a distressing record of gun violence in the United States, with the latest incident occurring at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), adding to the grim statistics. According to law enforcement, the suspect responsible for the tragedy is now deceased, following the fatal shooting of three individuals and the injury of one at the UNLV campus on Wednesday. The police responded to reports of an active shooter around 11:45 a.m. local time, with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealing that upon arrival, law enforcement engaged and fatally struck the suspect.

The identity of the deceased suspect is known to authorities, but the information is withheld until next of kin is notified. Three sources familiar with the investigation disclosed to NBC News that the suspect was a man in his 60s. A person injured in the shooting is currently hospitalized in stable condition, following earlier reports of critical condition. Additionally, four individuals were transported to nearby hospitals due to panic attacks, and two police officers received treatment for minor injuries, as stated by Sheriff McMahill.

The tragic incident unfolded on the fourth floor of Beam Hall, which houses the Lee Business School, with the suspect ultimately being killed outside the building. Despite ongoing investigations, the authorities have refrained from speculating on the motive behind the shooting and have not released the names of the victims.

Three students, who were giving a presentation on campus when the shooting occurred, shared their harrowing experiences with NBC News. One student expressed feeling like "a large target," contemplating the potential consequences if the shooter had entered the building. Another student highlighted the vulnerability of their situation, noting the lack of walls for protection in a room with 90% windows.

Notably, UNLV, situated approximately 3 miles from the site of the deadliest mass shooting in recent U.S. history, faced a similar tragedy in 2017 when a gunman opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel during the Route 91 music festival, resulting in 58 fatalities and around 500 injuries.

The incident at UNLV contributes to a troubling trend in the U.S., as the country reached a somber milestone of 38 recorded mass killings involving guns in the current year. Mass killings are defined as incidents in which four or more individuals are killed, excluding the perpetrator. Kris Brown, the president of the gun reform advocacy group Brady, emphasized the lasting impact on UNLV students, stating that they will carry the repercussions of this traumatic event throughout their lives. Brown called for a rejection of a reality where an entire generation lives under the constant threat of gun violence.