UNLV cancels finals after campus shooting

In an update shared online, UNLV said that the Beam Hall (BEH) building, where Wednesday’ shooting took place, “remains inaccessible”.

All other buildings can be now accessed to retrieve belongings with the assistance of University Police Services, the update said, as well as all vehicles that was left on the main campus.

Three people were killed and another left seriously injured during an attack on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on Wednesday.

All four of the victims were faculty members at the UNLV, the college’s president Keith Whitfield has confirmed. Two of the three deceased have now been named.

Here’s what we know about the victims so far:

On Friday, UNLV president Keith Whitfield again expressed his thanks to the University Police Services for their “remarkably swift and heroic action in the face of harrowing circumstances”.

“While we continue to grieve for the heartbreaking loss of three of our faculty members, I will be forever indebted to all of the officers – and to first responders throughout our community,” he said.

“You have our back in ways we always knew, but at the same time never could have imagined. You continue to give our campus a sense of safety when we need it most.”

Mr Whitfield added: “Thank you to our large community of supporters – from local and state agencies to hospitality and business partners, elected officials, alumni, friends, and our sister institutions throughout the Nevada System of Higher Education and beyond.

“Your kindness, your generosity, and your deep commitment to UNLV and our people reinforce my belief that Las Vegas and Nevada are uniquely special places.”

All three victims that were killed in Wednesday’s attack have now been identified.

The third, Dr Naoko Takemaru, was named on Friday after her next of kin were contacted by the coroner.

At a press conference on Friday afternoon, ULVN president Keith Whitfield said that the college could “feel the love” of the community following the tragic events.

“I can say that our emotions, our emotions are swinging like a pendulum. It appears sometimes at one moment that people are fine and then the next moment, it feels like they’re being knocked down by a tidal wave of grief and pain,” he said.

“It’s going to be a while before we get to whatever we can consider normal. But you know something that’s okay.”

Speaking of all those who had reached out to offer support he added: “I cannot tell you, in my role as president of this university, how much that means.

“I meet and talk to students who have been touched by the incredible generosity and it is making a difference in terms of trying to be able to get better.”

Dr Margaret Harp, a colleague of Dr Naoko Takemaru, described as “lion-hearted” and a “triple threat artist”.

“I hope we will also remember her for her multiple talents,” Dr Harp said.

“She was a professional concert pianist who left that career due to physical disabilities. She embroidered beautifully, creating her own designs and every holiday season she brought us her homemade chocolates.

“In a department full of cat lovers, Naoko was a cat lover supreme. Her office is covered, floor to ceiling, wall to wall with cat pictures, drawings, puzzles and calendars.”

Dr Harp added: “Naoko was frail physically. However, she was lion-hearted... and I have no doubt she was lionhearted in her final moments on Earth.

“Godspeed Naoko you are better people for having known you. We are bereft at losing you.”

Keith Whitfield expressed his thanks to president Joe Biden, who had met with him personally following Wednesday’s tragedy.

“He offered love and support for UNLV and we appreciate the support by President Biden, as well as the support from the entire Nevada congressional delegation,” he told a press conference on Friday afternoon.

Dr Patricia Navarro was remembered for her “larger-than-life personality and infectious smile.”

Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr Navarro had “a genuine kindness that made everyone around her feel like family,” Dr Jason Smith said.

“She loved gatherings – ‘the more the merrier’ she would say. She loved baking and sharing especially dessert items. Her creme brulee and macarons were were not to be missed.

“She lit up a room with her smile and although her professional accomplishments are impressive, Pat’s most important work was at home.

“Pat and her husband are proud parents of four children and she was blessed to be surrounded with love by her parents, three sisters, a brother, many nieces and nephews and countless friends and colleagues who adored her.”

Dr Smith added: “[She is] summed up in a picture frame she has in her kitchen she brought for Thanksgiving. It has one word – it says “framily” – which is defined as friends who become family.

“Her lasting legacy is one of her a wide circle of friends who, through her influence and love, and through this experience today, find ourselves as family.”

Dr Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang was rememebered as “a rigorous researcher and a good teacher who deeply love his student and UNLV”.

“He was a mentor of the highest caliber, offering guidance and support – not just with words but with actions, sharing his experience and wisdom generously, patiently helping [students] navigate the complexity of academia,” a colleague said of Dr Chang.

“He believed in their potential and celebrated their achievement, fostering a sense of belonging and fellowship in the department.”

Dr Chang had also previously discussed the possibility of donating his body to UNLV for research purposes. While UNLV does not accept such donations, his body will be reportedly utilised by another institution.