Dear University Community,

Today, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) publicly released its comprehensive and final report on the Dec. 6, 2023 shooting on our campus and the ensuing investigation.

Based on the report, investigators continue to believe the likely motive for the shooting appears to be the suspect’s anger and frustration arising from his failure to obtain employment at local and other higher education institutions, and mounting financial debt.

The release of these materials is not uncommon in these situations, and we expect media coverage for a few days.

We know that media coverage of the incident and its aftermath can still be traumatic for members of our university community. For those who need someone to talk to, I urge you to please utilize our mental health and wellness resources, or talk to a friend or colleague. Also, please consider checking in on a friend or colleague to see how they’re doing. 

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sheriff Kevin McMahill and LVMPD for their response and investigation into the events that day. 

We remain thankful to the members of University Police Services for their valor on that tragic day, and to all first responders and mental health professionals for their service on Dec. 6 and every day since.

Their partnership, professionalism, and dedication have been instrumental in helping the university community forge a path to recovery and healing. 

Warm Regards,

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
President

Arnold Vasquez
Interim Chief of University Police Services - Southern Command