Two people were fatally shot late Sunday on the Las Vegas Strip, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack linked to a social media dispute between YouTubers.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) said it has launched an active manhunt for the suspect.
The shooting occurred around 10:40 p.m. local time, near the Bellagio Hotel & Casino on the 3600 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard, Nevada, United States.
Officers with the LVMPD were patrolling nearby when they heard gunshots and responded immediately, ABC News reported.
They discovered a man and a woman on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite officers’ efforts to provide medical aid, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
LVMPD Deputy Sheriff Andrew Walsh, in a press briefing on Monday, confirmed that the attack appeared to be a targeted and isolated incident, following a confrontation that had begun online.
“This was not a random act of violence. This appears to have been a targeted attack that followed a dispute on social media,” Walsh said.
According to BNO News, eyewitnesses and a livestream recording of the incident identified the male victim as a local content creator known as Finny Da Legend. He was walking along the Strip with a woman who is believed to be his partner.
While Finny was livestreaming at the Bellagio fountains, another man, believed to be fellow YouTuber SinCity-MannyWise, also known as Sin City Family, briefly appeared in the video, walking past them.
Moments later, the man returned and, after a brief verbal exchange with the woman, drew a handgun and opened fire at Finny.
At least seven shots were heard as people nearby ran for cover. The woman appeared to fall while holding the camera, and the stream ended shortly after officers arrived.
“The officers immediately ran toward the gunfire and rendered aid to the victims, but tragically, their efforts were unsuccessful,” Walsh said.
The suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Police say they have video footage capturing the incident and are using it as part of their investigation.
Walsh emphasised that authorities are working urgently to locate and arrest the shooter.
“This type of violence has no place in our community. We are doing everything possible to bring the suspect to justice,” Walsh said.
Authorities also noted that the incident took place outdoors and not inside any casino. They continue to ask the public to avoid the area as the investigation remains active.
