Details about the shooter responsible for killing three UNLV faculty members and wounding another individual at the Business School have emerged as law enforcement investigates the motive behind the attack.
Las Vegas authorities reported that the gunman, Anthony Polito, was shot by police and another person was hurt during a shooting outside the Business School building on the UNLV campus on Wednesday. It was later disclosed that one of the victims, a male guest professor, was in critical condition receiving medical treatment.
On Thursday, McMahill stated that Polito had created a "hit list" of individuals he sought on the college campus, as well as university staff and East Carolina University faculty members. Although no university faculty members were available for harm on Wednesday, all individuals on the list were killed. McMahill, however, did not clarify why this assessment was made or where the list was discovered.
It remained unclear why Polito, who lived in Henderson, Nevada, had his sights set on the UNLV campus or if he had any connections to the school. From his recently deleted LinkedIn profile, it was revealed that he had worked at schools in Georgia and North Carolina, including serving as an economics professor at East Carolina University. In the years leading up to 2022, he taught as an adjunct professor at Roseman University in Henderson, according to the school's confirmation.
McMahill revealed on Thursday that Polito had unsuccessfully applied for multiple university positions in Nevada and appeared to be financially strapped, as he discovered a notice of eviction at his Henderson residence door.
On the day of the shooting, Polito sent 22 anonymous letters to university workers across the nation, the Sheriff disclosed. Las Vegas police reported that at least some envelopes contained white powder, but the substance was ultimately deemed harmless. Further details about the letters' contents were not immediately disclosed.
McMahill stated that investigators were working alongside postal inspectors and federal agents to process the letters, urging academics receiving anonymous letters to exercise caution.
UNLV president Keith Whitfield described the tragic incident, which occurred just days before graduation exams, as "the hardest day in the history of our university."
The shooting occurred in the Beam Hall of the university, where professors were preparing students for upcoming exams. Outside, students were enjoying games, food, and other activities.
Whitfield wrote in a message to the university community on Thursday that two of the victims were Business School professors, Patricia Navarro-Vélez and Cha-Jan "Jerry" Chang. He said the name of the third slain faculty member would be revealed once their family had been notified.
"I will not sugarcoat it--we are all going through a tough time right now," Whitfield said. "But precisely in these challenging times, we must support each other."
The UNLV community is now grieving the loss of cherished educators following the horrific incident.
In his message to the university community, UNLV President Keith Whitfield acknowledged the difficulties many are facing in coping with the loss of several cherished faculty members.
Source:
Anthony Polito, the gunman responsible for the shooting spree that killed three UNLV faculty members and injured a fourth, was a disgruntled individual with a history of professional setbacks, financial struggles, and a perceived decline in the value of higher education, according to analysis of the final report released by Las Vegas police on February 7, 2025.
Polito, aged 67, had experiences significant career disappointments, including being denied tenure and being rejected by other universities. Financial obligations piled up, with debts totaling $142,000 in student loans, $75,000 in credit card debt, and past-due rent. These factors may have contributed to his anger and frustration, which culminated in the tragic events.
Additionally, mental health concerns were noted but not substantiated, as there was no evidence of a documented history of severe mental health problems. Obstinately organized, Polito was observed meticulously arranging his daily schedule, weapons, ammunition, clothing, and engaging in online relationships through "sugar daddy and swinger-type websites". However, he reportedly lacked a traditional social life.
It appears that Polito perceived higher education as in decline, as he expressed dissatisfaction with faculty intelligence levels and felt that tenure was overemphasized, referencing that faculty had excessive egos while not being necessarily the brightest. This resentment coupled with his personal setbacks and financial struggles likely played a role in the heinous acts he committed.
Las Vegas police determined that Polito targeted UNLV because of its reputation and location, despite having no known personal affiliations with any of the victims. The victims, though, were all unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, having no prior relationship with Polito.
Overall, the tragic events on the UNLV campus were instigated by a combination of professional setbacks, financial struggles, resentment towards higher education, and a deep-seated grudge which Polito harbored, culminating in a horrific episode of violence.
