Gunman opens fire outside casino in Reno, Nevada, killing three
Three people are dead and several others are wounded after a gunman opened fire outside Nevada’s largest casino in Reno on Monday morning, according to local law enforcement. Authorities took the adult male suspect into custody at the Grand Sierra Resort and transported him to a hospital.
Shooting began near valet area
According to Reno police, they received reports of an active shooter around 7:25 a.m. local time at the casino. They say the suspect walked to the casino with a handgun and began shooting at people near the casino’s valet. Five people were shot in this area.
Police said the gunman then walked outside, around the casino, firing at a security guard and another person driving a vehicle in the casino’s parking lot. The driver was killed.
Police arrived at the Grand Sierra Resort and located the suspect within a few minutes. Police say the suspect fired at a patrol vehicle, sparking a shootout between the suspect and officers.
“All of the shooting happened outside of the casino,” a spokesperson for Reno police told reporters, as reported by ABC 10 News. “Most of it occurred near the valet area, but the scene does extend over to the northside.”
Casualties and injuries
A total of six individuals were shot, three of whom died from their injuries. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while four others were transported to local hospitals. One of those hospitalized later died, two remain in critical condition, and one has been treated and released.
Multiple responding police officers were part of the incident or response, and while some of them did sustain minor injuries, none of the officers were injured by gunfire.
The suspect’s motive remains unknown, and police say there’s no known connection between the suspect and the victims.
Statements from officials and casino
The Grand Sierra Resort released a statement saying, “We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that occurred in our parking area earlier today. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic incident. We are incredibly grateful for the swift and courageous response by our armed security team, whose immediate actions helped prevent further harm. Grand Sierra Resort remains fully operational, and we are actively working to support guests and team members who may have been impacted. There is no ongoing threat to the public.”
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve responded to the active shooter event, saying in a statement: “My heart goes out to everyone who has been impacted by the tragic shooting incident at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (GSR) in Reno this morning. While it is very early in the investigation and details are scarce, I want to thank our region’s first responders and medical personnel for their courage and heroic efforts today.”
“Our thoughts are with the Grand Sierra staff, the guests of the resort and anyone who has been impacted by this incident,” Schieve added. “As the investigation continues, we will provide more information as it becomes available.”
Investigation ongoing
The Sparks Police Department is handling the investigation. At last check, the suspect remains in critical condition.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
