Metro names second officer involved in deadly gunbattle

The Metropolitan Police Department on Thursday identified a second officer who was involved in the deadly gunbattle that resulted in the death of Officer Austin Abdelnabi. Officer Enrique Molinet was also part of the Tuesday shooting, according to a Metro release. Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Abdelnabi, 30, died after he was “ambushed” by an armed suspect in east Las Vegas, prompting a gunbattle. Abdelnabi had responded to a call about a man with a weapon at 3:57 p.m. Tuesday near the 4500 block of East Tropicana Avenue. The suspect was also killed, McMahill added, and the suspect’s name had not been released as of Thursday. Molinet, who has been with Metro since 2022, has been placed on regular paid administrative leave pending a review of the incident, the release noted. Several officials have paid tribute to Abdelnabi in the days since the shooting. During a rally in Las Vegas on Wednesday, President Donald Trump opened his remarks by sending “love and heartfelt prayers” to Abdelnabi’s family and loved ones. He described Abdelnabi as having been gunned down by a “savage criminal” and said he died a hero. At the same event, Gov. Joe Lombardo urged those present to observe a moment of silence for Abdelnabi.