It has been confirmed that the man charged with fatally stabbing two people and wounding six others in Las Vegas was in the United States illegally and has a criminal record.
A source with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed to Fox News that the 32-year-old, Yoni Barrios, is a Guatemalan national with a criminal record in California.
In the rampage, Barrios allegedly stabbed eight people just before noon near the Wynn Las Vegas hotel.
Police reported that two people, Las Vegas residents Brent Allan Hallett, 47, and Maris Mareen DiGiovanni, 30, died.
According to local news station KTNV, Barrios approached a group of showgirls and said he was a chef.
He allegedly asked them for a photo but they refused and he began the attack with a “large knife with a long blade.”
Barrios told police that he “thought the women were laughing at him and making fun of his clothing,” according to a police report obtained by KKTV.
As he was fleeing after killing Digionvanni, the suspect stabbed Hallet. He was reportedly followed by concerned witnesses who called 911.
Police reported that Barrios was detained by Sands security guards and Metropolitan Police officers while running on a sidewalk.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said Barrios will be charged with two counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder in court next week.
One of the surviving victims underwent surgery and remains in critical condition. Two others are in serious condition while the remaining three are in fair condition, KKTV reported.
DiGiovanni’s brother told Fox News, “Maris always saw the best in people, always gave them a chance, and always accepted people for who they were.” “She was a beautiful spirit and soul, and we will miss her for the rest of our lives.”
The Biden administration’s border policies and handling of the current crisis were heavily criticized after the attack.
Adam Paul Laxalt, a Nevada senate candidate, tweeted “This is horrific. Joe Biden & @CortezMasto’s open border policies led to 2 innocent people being killed & 6 injured in Las Vegas.”
The Nevada GOP Twitter page stated “Yoni Barrios wouldn’t be here if our border were secure.” “Horrific and disgraceful.”