Las Vegas: Shooting rampage leaves 3 dead, 1 injured at University of Nevada

 A shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) left three people dead and one critically wounded along with the suspect on Wednesday, police reported.

The incident occurred around noon when police responded to reports of shots fired on the campus located near the Las Vegas Strip. Officers engaged the shooter, with gunfire erupting in at least two locations., according to the police.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed via social media that three victims had died and a fourth was hospitalized in critical condition. The suspect was also reported deceased.

"According to our investigators at the scene, we have three deceased victims and one additional victim in critical condition at a local hospital," the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department wrote on social media.

"The suspect in this #ActiveShooter incident is also deceased."

#BREAKING: According to our investigators at the scene, we have three deceased victims and one additional victim in critical condition at a local hospital.

The suspect in this #ActiveShooter incident is also deceased.

We will update as soon as we can with accurate information. https://t.co/h56jaYcFwg

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 6, 2023

Terrified students take shelter as the search continues

Terrified students and staff evacuated or sheltered in place for hours as heavily armed police conducted a room-by-room search across the sprawling campus. Some witnesses reported hearing loud booms echo between campus buildings.

All universities in Las Vegas shut down for the day and inbound flights were temporarily grounded by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Three hours into the shooting the college authorities continued to urge people to shelter in place, saying that police were working to clear each building in turn. The investigation remains ongoing, media reports suggest.

Law enforcement will potentially be coming to your door, follow directions and exit calmly with your hands plainly seen," the university said.

Gun violence in the US

The outbreak of violence was the latest high-profile public shooting in the U.S., which continues to experience mass casualty events at an alarming rate due largely to the widespread availability of firearms.

The US gambling hub, Las Vegas, hosted its first Formula One Grand Prix last. In February, the city will be the site of the NFL's Super Bowl.

But it is also the location of America's deadliest modern mass shooting - a 2017 attack on an outdoor music festival that left 60 dead and more than 400 injured.

The enduring crisis of gun violence will likely spur renewed calls for tighter firearm restrictions opposed by many Republican lawmakers.