The victims have been identified as 64-year-old Cha Jan Chang, a professor, and 39-year-old Patricia Navarro Velez, an assistant professor, according to the Clark County coroner. The shooter's motives are still under investigation.

The horrifying event unfolded as students and faculty members found themselves in a state of panic after hearing about eight gunshots in the halls and receiving an emergency alert on their phones urging them to "run, hide, fight." Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as they sought shelter in classrooms.

Mike Henderson, a senior at UNLV, was in a neighboring classroom when the alert came in. He quickly took refuge with his fellow students and their professor, barricading the door with desks and trying to stay quiet. Amid the uncertainty and fear, many students, including Henderson, reached out to their loved ones. "If you're not gonna make it out of a situation, you want to talk to your loved ones," he said, recalling the emotional conversation he had with his dad.

Law enforcement officials revealed that the shootings took place on different floors of the business school building, suggesting that the shooter may have targeted specific individuals. However, the suspect's identity and any potential motive remain unknown at this time. The first officer arrived at the scene just over a minute after the initial call for help.

The situation intensified when the suspect encountered two UNLV police detectives outside the business building, resulting in a gunfight that left the shooter dead at the scene. After approximately 25 minutes of being barricaded in the classroom, Henderson and his classmates were finally escorted out of the building by police. Tragically, as they made their way outside, they witnessed more shots being fired near the student union building.

The aftermath of the shooting left many students traumatized and shaken. Brayden McDermott, a first-year student who was on the second floor of Beam Hall, described the confusion and chaos that ensued. He shared how he and fellow students heard someone scream that there was a gun, prompting them to flee for their lives. McDermott expressed his terror and frustration, noting that while he was not surprised by the shooting due to the frequency of such incidents in the U.S., it was still a devastating blow to the sense of safety on campus.

The university acted swiftly to ensure the safety of its students, evacuating them to the Thomas and Mack Center where they waited for nearly eight hours until the dorms were reopened. This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing issue of mass shootings in the country and the need for comprehensive actions to address and prevent such acts of violence.

Authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the shooting and are working to provide support and counseling services to those affected by this tragic event. As the UNLV community grieves the loss of three valued members, the focus remains on healing and coming together to support one another during this difficult time.