LVMPD Officer Shot During Protests In Las Vegas
Two shootings involving Las Vegas Metro occurred last night on the Las Vegas strip, both related to protest activity.
The first shooting occurred in front of Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, further south on Las Vegas Blvd, just before midnight on Monday. Sources say officers were trying to break up a crowd of protesters and were met with bottles and rocks being thrown at them. While trying to detain a suspect, sources say an officer was shot in the back of the head “execution style” and is currently in critical condition and UMC. The suspect responsible for that shooting is in custody, according to local law enforcement.
The second shooting was in front of the federal building downtown, where officers were gathered to guard the building against protesters. Sources say a man, who appeared to be wearing body armor and carrying multiple weapons, reached for a gun and was shot by an officer. That suspect was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Rioters were protesting the death of George Floyd, and join many other cities across the nation in calling for change in the fight against racism. The shootings come after what was supposed to be a celebratory night of reopening in the downtown Las Vegas area, which was closed to due the Coronavirus pandemic. Instead of drinks and laughs, there was tear gas and gunfire.
In a tweet addressing Floyd’s death, Las Vegas sheriff Joseph Lombardo decried the conduct of the officer responsible and said they are inconsistent with the protocol of the LVMPD.
The death of Mr. Floyd is deeply disturbing. The officers' actions and inaction are inconsistent with the training and protocols of our profession and the LVMPD.
— Kevin McMahill (@Sheriff_LVMPD) May 28, 2020
I can assure you the LVMPD will strive each day to continue to build your trust.
