Southern Nevada leaders react to deadly shooting at UNLV

Yesterday, in Austin and San Antonio, at least six people were killed and several more injured by a gunman—leaving families devastated, and communities forever changed. And just hours ago, the University of Nevada at Las Vegas became the latest college campus to be terrorized by a horrific act of gun violence, and the community is still awaiting information on casualties.

Jill and I join citizens across our nation in praying for the families of our fallen, and for those who were injured during these latest acts of senseless violence. We are also grateful for the courageous work of law enforcement—who risked their own safety to bring an end to these deadly shooting sprees. Federal law enforcement officials are on the ground working with State and local law enforcement in both states and I have directed that all necessary support be provided to assist in the investigations and support these communities.

This year alone, our nation has experienced more than 600 mass shootings, and approximately 40,000 deaths due to gun violence. This is not normal, and we can never let it become normal.

For all the action we have taken since I’ve been President, the epidemic of gun violence we face demands that we do even more. But we cannot do more without Congress. Republican lawmakers must join with Democrats in Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, pass a national red flag law, enact universal background checks, require the safe storage of guns, and advance other commonsense measures that will help stem the tide of gun violence. And together, we must do more to prevent more families, and more communities like Austin, San Antonio, and Las Vegas, from being ripped apart by gun violence.

“I am heartbroken that our community is once again dealing with a tragic, devastating, and preventable mass shooting. Like others, I was shaken up to hear about this latest incident and had loved ones and friends who were on campus at the time. I returned to my district to be a support to my community in this difficult moment.

"My heart goes out to so many friends and families, as well as students and colleagues experiencing loss and trauma as a result of this tragic incident. My office will continue to be a resource for those who need help in the coming days and weeks as we process and heal together.

"In Congress, I will continue to advocate for gun violence prevention and community violence intervention programs to be passed because all of our communities deserve to be safe, safe from the gun violence culture that has impacted far too many lives and communities, including my own.”

“I want to start off by acknowledging some news that I learned. Just a few minutes ago, there was a shooting at the University of Nevada Las Vegas — a school shooting. We don't have all the information, and we know there are several victims.”

He continued, “The Department of Education will be reaching out and will support the schools, the school the best way we can. I wanna extend my thoughts to that community and commit once again to doing everything we can to improve school safety, which is our number one priority."

"We are outraged and devastated by today's mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Our hearts break for the victims and their loved ones who are now forced to deal with yet another act of horrific gun violence in our community. We extend our sincere thanks to the first responders who risked their lives to prevent even greater loss of life. As we learn more about the situation, we ask that the community continue to follow the direction of law enforcement and university administration."

The Clark County School District offers our deepest condolences to the victims and families of this tragedy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

UNLV is a vital part of the Nevada education community, and CCSD stands united with the UNLV community.

The District has and will continue to deploy resources supporting our UNLV community as needed, including the CCSD Police Department personnel and counselors from our Critical Response Teams.

In light of today’s tragedy at UNLV, Clark County School District-sponsored athletic events are canceled today, December 6, 2023.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the UNLV Campus Police, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Clark County Fire Department and emergency management services, and the countless other first responders whose swift actions at UNLV today were nothing short of heroic.

I also want to thank the resort partners who have offered rooms to students who have been displaced, and to our partners like the National Finals Rodeo who responded with sensitivity and have canceled or postponed events in light of this tragedy. I’m also grateful to the team at the Las Vegas Convention Center for facilitating the County’s reunification center, which will remain open until further notice.

Las Vegas is a tourism destination, but at our core, we are a community. A community of people who live here, work here, and won’t be defined by the senseless tragedy we experienced today. We stand united as a community that will heal, support one another, and emerge stronger.

NAMI National, NAMI Nevada and NAMI Southern Nevada, the national, state and local Southern Nevada affiliate branches of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, are deeply saddened by the horrific shootings and devastating loss of life that occurred today, December 6, 2023. The mass shooting that has left at least three dead and many more injured has a far-reaching impact on the mental health of the entire country. NAMI is ready to help the people of Nevada and the nation heal its trauma.

“The tragedy that occurred on the UNLV campus is beyond imaginable and it has sent shockwaves throughout the Las Vegas community and beyond,” said Dr. Sheldon Jacobs, Board President of NAMI Southern Nevada. “Today, tomorrow, next week and for a long time to come, many of us will struggle with what has happened in our community. But you are not alone, and NAMI is here to help.”

“Gun violence is a public health crisis. We all want – and need – to end this senseless violence that causes such immense trauma and harm to so many people’s mental health,” said Daniel H. Gillison Jr., CEO of NAMI National. “Right now, we need to come together to support the people of Nevada and anyone impacted by this tragedy as well as those who are still affected by the ongoing lockdown.”