The tragic shooting at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in December, carried out by Anthony Polito, a former professor, has left many questioning what could have led to such a horrifying act. Recent revelations from a Clark County coroner’s report shed light on Polito’s state of mind at the time of the attack. It was found that he had both oxycodone, a potent painkiller, and medication for erectile dysfunction in his system during the shooting.
The presence of oxycodone in Polito’s system is significant. The coroner’s report states that he had 15 nanograms per milliliter of oxycodone, which is a higher concentration than typically prescribed. The typical dose for adults is five milligrams every six hours. This raises questions about whether Polito may have been abusing or misusing the medication, as well as the potential impact it may have had on his mental state.
Additionally, Polito had tadalafil, a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), in his system. While it is unclear how this specific medication may have influenced his behavior, it is worth noting that certain medications can have side effects that affect mood and mental well-being. Further investigation into the potential interactions between these drugs and their impact on Polito’s mental state could provide valuable insights into the factors contributing to his violent actions.
Polito’s history as a disgruntled former professor adds another layer to this tragic story. He had taught at East Carolina University in North Carolina for over a decade before resigning in 2017. During his tenure there, at least two students accused him of making inappropriate comments or advances. One student reported him in 2016 after he made a lewd comment about her clothing in front of the whole class. She immediately reported the incident to the business school’s dean, leading to Polito’s absence from class. Although it is unclear if this incident directly contributed to his resignation, it raises concerns about his behavior and potential patterns of misconduct.
Polito’s attempt to secure a professorship at UNLV, despite being rejected approximately nine times, also raises questions about his state of mind leading up to the shooting. Repeated rejections can be emotionally distressing and may have exacerbated Polito’s feelings of frustration and resentment. The combination of these professional setbacks, along with his reported inappropriate behavior, may have fueled his anger and sense of revenge.
The discovery of a laminated index card with names and room numbers listed among Polito’s belongings indicates that there may have been additional targets had he not been stopped by the police. This chilling detail highlights the potential scale of the tragedy that was narrowly averted.
It is important to recognize that the tragic events at UNLV are not solely the result of one person’s actions; they reflect broader societal issues such as access to firearms, mental health awareness, and the need for effective intervention when individuals exhibit concerning behavior. By examining the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to mass shootings and work towards preventing such incidents in the future.
