"Tragedy Unfolds: Heartbreaking 911 Calls Reveal Chaos During UNLV Shooting"
When the tranquility of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus was shattered by gunfire, the haunting echoes of fear reverberated through 911 calls. A lone woman, seeking refuge beneath an office desk, sobbed into the phone, "Someone’s shooting inside the office. Please hurry." The urgency in her voice conveyed the terror unfolding.
As the operator probed for details, the woman, still in the grip of the unfolding crisis, declared, "They’re happening right now." Isolated and alone, she disclosed, "It’s just me. My boss is working from home." The newly released 911 calls provide a heart-wrenching glimpse into the chaos that unfolded during Wednesday's tragic mass shooting, claiming the lives of three faculty members and injuring another.
The suspected gunman, Anthony Polito, armed with a legally purchased handgun, met his end at the scene after a 10-minute confrontation with responding officers at UNLV's Beam Hall. Detectives Nathaniel Drum and officer Damien Garcia, hailed as heroes by Police Chief Adam Garcia, confronted the assailant, preventing further bloodshed.
In a poignant moment, a second 911 caller shared, "I was getting off the elevator. I heard shots fired and screaming, and I ran... Lots of students are running out." The caller recounted officers rushing into the building as they hastily made their escape.
Terrified parents also reached out to 911, reporting their children hiding in classrooms. A mother, gripped by anxiety, received a chilling text from her daughter hearing the gunshots, "Mom, I’m scared." The operator's reassurance advised the mother to instruct her daughter to remain calm, emphasizing not to open the door unless she hears the unmistakable announcement of "Metro police."
During a press briefing, Chief Adam Garcia lauded the courage of Detectives Drum and Officer Garcia, acknowledging their role in averting a potential bloodbath. Meanwhile, a law enforcement source revealed that Polito, having sought a professorship at UNLV, harbored a list of specific individuals but none of them fell victim to the tragic events. Authorities believe Polito's fruitless search for his targets led him to indiscriminately target others within the building.
As the investigation continues, the UNLV community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence that has left scars both seen and unseen on the campus landscape.
In piecing together the comprehensive report on the harrowing UNLV shooting, ABC News owes gratitude to the dedicated contributions of Vanessa Navarrete and Cory Peeler. Their relentless pursuit of accurate information and commitment to journalistic excellence played an integral role in shedding light on the tragic events that unfolded on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. Their tireless efforts have not only informed the public but have also served as a testament to the crucial role of journalists in times of crisis. ABC News expresses sincere appreciation for the invaluable work of Vanessa Navarrete and Cory Peeler in delivering a comprehensive and insightful account of this devastating incident.
As the echoes of gunfire at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas fade into the solemn aftermath, the comprehensive report stands as a testament to the courage and resilience displayed amid tragedy. Vanessa Navarrete and Cory Peeler, stalwarts of ABC News, have meticulously woven together the narrative, illuminating the chaos and heartbreak that unfolded during the UNLV shooting.
The haunting 911 calls, the valiant response of officers Nathaniel Drum and Damien Garcia, and the palpable fear in the voices of students and parents all paint a vivid picture of the stark reality faced by the UNLV community. Through their insightful reporting, Navarrete and Peeler have not only documented the facts but have also honored the stories of those impacted.
As the investigation unfolds, the report serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of safety on college campuses and the importance of swift and decisive action. The heroes identified in this tragic narrative, the officers who prevented further bloodshed, and the community that rallied in the face of terror are all woven into the fabric of resilience.
ABC News extends its deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and a profound gratitude to Vanessa Navarrete and Cory Peeler for their unwavering dedication to journalistic integrity. In times of darkness, their commitment to shedding light on the truth becomes a beacon of hope, guiding us towards understanding, healing, and, ultimately, a collective resolve to prevent such tragedies in the future.