Two people killed near Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas during dispute fueled by social media conflict.
A social media dispute escalated into violence on Sunday evening, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals near the iconic Bellagio fountains on the Las Vegas Strip. The incident, which occurred around 10:40 p.m., involved an assailant identified as 41-year-old Manuel Ruiz. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Ruiz surrendered to authorities at a Henderson Police Department station the following day, where he was subsequently charged with two counts of open murder with a deadly weapon. He has since been booked at the Clark County Detention Center.
Reports indicate that the conflict between Ruiz and the victims had its roots in a series of interactions on various social media platforms. Undersheriff Andrew Walsh described the incident as isolated, emphasizing that the confrontation stemmed from ongoing disputes among social media personalities identified as “Sin City Manny” and “Finny Da Legend.” The incident has drawn significant public attention, particularly given that footage of the confrontation was reportedly streamed live on a YouTube channel before being removed. Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant video evidence to submit it to Crime Stoppers to aid in the investigation.
Upon hearing gunfire, officers patrolling the busy Strip rushed to the scene, where they found both victims on the sidewalk. Emergency medical services were dispatched, but tragically both individuals were pronounced dead on arrival. In the aftermath of the shooting, a section of the Strip was temporarily closed off to facilitate the investigation but was reopened to the public by Monday morning.
The Las Vegas Strip, particularly the area near the Bellagio fountains, is a significant tourist attraction, renowned for its elaborate water shows that can reach heights of up to 460 feet. This incident has raised concerns about safety and the implications of social media conflicts spilling into the real world. As investigations continue, the community grapples with the consequences of a violent exchange that unfolded in one of the most frequented locations in the city.
As this situation develops, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department urges anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing violent incidents connected to social media disputes. Media News Source.
