A major manhunt is underway after two people were killed in a shooting near Las Vegas’ Bellagio Fountains following an “online conflict”, police said.
Officers rushed towards gunfire at around 10:40pm local time (06:40am UK time) where they found two people lying on the floor with gunshot wounds, Las Vegas undersheriff Andrew Walsh said. Both victims died from their wounds despite the efforts of first responders.
Police believe they know the identity of the suspect and that he was involved in an online conflict with one of the victims. Undersheriff Walsh said they believe “this is an isolated incident, knowing that the suspect and the victim had previously engaged in some type of conflict using a variety of social media platforms”.
Footage circulating on social media shows a gunman firing shots in front of the Bellagio Fountains in what appears to be a confrontation with someone else.
Seven shots are fired during the video as onlookers scream and begin running from the area, while others drop to the floor to shield themselves from gunfire. One person shouts “are you f****** kidding me?” before a child can be heard crying at the end of the footage. The Independent has chosen not to show the footage due to its graphic nature.
Images of the scene show streets cordoned off by police as they investigate the shooting on the famed Las Vegas street. Footage on social media, taken from high up in a nearby building, shows dozens of blue-light police cars rushing to the area.
A large police presence remains in the area as cars are diverted away from the scene.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said the shooting on Las Vegas Boulevard did not take place inside a casino, and warned people to stay clear of the area.
It posted in a statement on X: “We are responding to a shooting in the 3600 block of S. Las Vegas Boulevard. The shooting did not occur inside a casino. Please avoid the area.”
