LeBron James demands change in America’s gun laws with three people killed after suspect went on 40-minute rampage at University of Nevada Las Vegas: ‘It’s literally ridiculous – it has been EASIER to own a firearm’
- At least three people were killed in the shooting at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas on Wednesday
- LeBron James touched down in Vegas on Wednesday for the preseason NBA tournament
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
LeBron James has called for a change in gun laws after the Lakers star arrived in Las Vegas for the NBA's regular-season tournament finale following news of three deaths in the University of Nevada shooting.
A suspect went on a rampage for forty minutes on Wednesday before he was also shot dead by police.
James said: “My condolences go out to the families who have lost a loved one. Guns in America, it's such a longer conversation, but we're the only ones who have to deal with the same conversation when it happens, and it keeps happening.
“The ability to get a gun, the ability to do these things over and over again, there has been no change… it's literally ridiculous. We are losing innocent lives in schools, in shopping markets and in cinemas.
'It's ridiculous and we haven't changed anything. It's actually been a lot easier to own a firearm. It is stupid.
LeBron James has demanded a change in US gun laws after the Las Vegas shooting
A police officer works at the scene of the shooting that left at least three people dead
“My brother from home texted me and told me to be safe here because he heard about the shooting.”
As a result of Wednesday's shooting, the NBA has scrapped plans for a major takeover of the Las Vegas strip with branding of their new season tournament.
Las Vegas Raiders, meanwhile, released a statement saying, “The Las Vegas Raiders are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred today at UNLV.
“Our thoughts go out to all the victims, their families and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
“We are committed to helping our friends at UNLV and the greater Las Vegas community and are grateful for the efforts of our first responders.”
Adam Garcia, director of university police services, said the first 911 call came in at 11:45 a.m.
“Officers responded immediately and engaged the suspect,” Garcia said.
“The entire Nevada system of higher education and campuses are closed, out of an abundance of caution. There is no threat to other campuses, but they are being closed out of an abundance of caution.”
Joe Biden said the shooting — which occurred the day after six were shot in Austin and San Antonio — “was not normal, and we can never let it become normal.”
Biden said he was saddened that the university became “the latest college campus to be terrorized by a horrific act of gun violence.”
He thanked first responders and said it showed more must be done to end the gun violence epidemic.
“This year alone, our country has experienced more than 600 mass shootings and approximately 40,000 deaths from gun violence. This is not normal, and we can never let it become normal,” he said in a White House statement.
“Despite all the actions we have taken since I became president, the epidemic of gun violence we face demands that we do even more.”
James, meanwhile, is in town for the NBA finals of the first-ever seasonal tournament.
The 38-year-old produced an incredible 31-point performance on Tuesday to lead the Lakers to victory against the Phoenix Suns.