Gunman Kills Three, Wounds Three Others in Shooting Outside Reno Casino
A shooting outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, on Monday left three people dead and three others injured, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and raising questions about public safety at the prominent venue.
The incident unfolded around 7:30 a.m. in the casino-hotel’s valet parking area, according to officials. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, initially engaged with a group of people before opening fire. Despite an initial malfunction with his weapon, the gunman was able to discharge multiple rounds, escalating the situation and leading to a confrontation with security and police.
The suspect had no known connection to the victims, and investigators are currently working to determine a motive for the attack. Authorities stated the suspect’s status as a guest or employee of the Grand Sierra Resort remains unclear.
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly. After firing upon individuals in the valet area, the gunman fled on foot and engaged in a shootout with an armed casino security guard. He then shot at a driver in the parking lot, fatally wounding them before police arrived on the scene within three minutes of the initial shots.
“There was incredible, swift action that took place,” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said, emphasizing that the rapid response likely prevented the suspect from entering the casino-hotel and continuing the attack.
During the confrontation, the suspect also fired at Reno police officers, striking a patrol vehicle. Multiple officers returned fire, ultimately striking the suspect, who remains in critical condition. The gunman was reportedly carrying multiple firearm magazines.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. Michael Sisco, 60, recounted hearing “popping sounds” from his room and seeing people screaming and running from the valet area. He described observing a man collapse near a vehicle after being struck. “A half hour after the incident I started shaking because I realized I could’ve been there,” he said. “That’s exactly where I was going.”
Another witness, Christina Martinez, described hearing shots while on an elevator, and learning from a neighboring room that the gunman was near the main entrance – an area she had recently occupied. “I feel very blessed, but that’s kind of why I had a panic attack,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh my God. I was just there.’”
In the aftermath, the entrance to the valet area was secured, and privacy screens were erected to shield the scene from public view. In addition to the fatalities, two victims are in critical condition, while one was treated and released from the hospital, according to Chris Crawforth, the police chief of Sparks, whose department is leading the investigation. Three more individuals were treated for minor injuries at the casino, including a graze wound, severe anxiety, and an injury sustained while running. One police officer sustained injuries from glass fragments.
This incident is not isolated. More than a year ago, in January 2024, two men were charged with fatally shooting another man who was staying at the resort.
The Grand Sierra Resort, one of Reno’s most prominent venues, boasts the largest casino floor in northern Nevada and nearly 2,000 hotel rooms. The resort has previously hosted concerts, sporting events, and a campaign rally by President Donald Trump before the 2024 election. The casino released a statement expressing heartbreak over the “senseless violence” and extending condolences to those affected.
The shooting underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and security at large public venues. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released further details regarding the suspect’s background or potential motives.
