A deadly Reno casino shooting erupted outside one of Nevada’s largest resorts Monday morning, tragically claiming three lives and leaving three others wounded. The violent incident unfolded around 7:30 a.m. at the Grand Sierra Reno, when a gunman approached the valet parking area and attempted to open fire on a group of bystanders. Initially, the attacker’s handgun malfunctioned, briefly delaying the assault. However, after fixing the weapon, the shooter began firing multiple rounds, killing three people, including a driver passing through the parking lot. Following reports of an active shooter, Reno police responded remarkably quickly, arriving at the scene within approximately 2½ minutes. Two victims remained in critical condition after the attack, while one injured person was treated and released from the hospital. The 27-story Grand Sierra Reno, home to nearly 2,000 rooms along with casinos, spas, and restaurants, became the latest site of gun violence in a state previously scarred by the infamous Las Vegas casino shooting in 2017.
Gunman Opens Fire at Grand Sierra Reno
Surveillance footage revealed the suspect had been pacing the parking lot for approximately 45 minutes before the Reno casino shooting began. The deadly rampage at Grand Sierra Reno commenced at precisely 7:25 a.m. on Monday morning.
Shooter approaches the valet area with a handgun
According to Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth, the unidentified gunman walked through the north side of the parking lot before emerging at the casino’s valet area. Upon arrival, the suspect immediately targeted a group of innocent bystanders gathered near the entrance. Witnesses reported that the man abruptly pulled out a handgun and pointed it directly at the group. The gunman’s intent appeared deliberate as he positioned himself to maximize casualties in the busy morning hour.
Initial gun malfunction delays attack
As the assailant attempted to open fire, his weapon malfunctioned. This momentary mechanical failure briefly delayed the assault. During those crucial seconds, several eyewitnesses became aware of the imminent danger, though most had little time to react. The suspect quickly focused on resolving the issue with his firearm rather than fleeing the scene.
The gunman fires multiple rounds after fixing the weapon
Once the suspect made the handgun operational again, he immediately resumed his attack. He fired multiple shots in rapid succession at the gathered victims. Five people were struck by gunfire at the valet stand in those first moments. Resort guest Michael Sisco, who was about to head outside, heard what he described as “unmistakable gun shots” firing in “rapid succession”. Law enforcement later discovered the shooter had brought multiple firearm magazines to the scene, suggesting he had planned for a sustained attack. After the initial shooting, the gunman fled northward through the parking lot, continuing his violent rampage.
Police and Security Respond Within Minutes
Swift security response prevented what could have become an even more devastating tragedy at the Grand Sierra Reno. As the gunman fled through the parking lot after the initial shooting, a coordinated response from both casino security and law enforcement quickly unfolded.
A casino security guard exchanges fire with a suspect
After shooting the victims at the valet area, the suspect continued northward through the parking lot, where he encountered an armed casino security guard. The guard immediately confronted the gunman, demonstrating remarkable courage in the face of danger. As the suspect approached, he opened fire on the security guard, who promptly returned fire. This exchange forced the gunman to continue moving north through the parking lot instead of potentially entering the casino building. The resort later acknowledged the critical role played by their security team, stating they were “incredibly grateful for the swift and courageous response by our armed security team, whose immediate actions helped prevent further harm”.
Reno police arrive and engage the shooter
Reno police officers responded with extraordinary speed to the emergency calls. First responders arrived at the Grand Sierra Reno within approximately 2½ to 3 minutes after the initial reports of an active shooter at 7:25 a.m.. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Reno Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Department, Nevada State Police, and Reno Fire, converged on the scene. “There was incredible, swift action that took place,” noted Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, adding that the rapid response stopped the suspect from entering the casino-hotel to continue the rampage.
Suspect shot and taken into custody in critical condition
Upon locating the shooter on the northwest side of the property, officers immediately confronted him. The suspect fired at the responding officers, hitting a patrol vehicle. Multiple officers returned fire, striking the gunman. The suspect was subsequently shot by police and transported to a local hospital. As of Monday afternoon, the gunman remained hospitalized in critical condition. One officer sustained minor injuries from broken glass during the confrontation. The entire incident, from first shots to suspect apprehension, demonstrated the effectiveness of both the casino’s security protocols and the rapid response from Reno police, potentially preventing a more extensive attack.
Victims Identified and Injuries Confirmed
Authorities gradually released details about the casualties from the Reno casino shooting as investigators processed the crime scene at Grand Sierra Reno.
Three people were killed, including a passing driver
The deadly attack claimed three lives in total. One victim died at the scene near the valet area, while another succumbed to injuries after being transported to the hospital. The third fatality occurred when the gunman encountered and shot a motorist driving through the parking lot. That driver was declared dead at the scene. Officials stated they found no apparent connection between the gunman and any of the victims.
Two victims are in critical condition, and one has been released
Of the six individuals who sustained gunshot wounds during the attack, two remained hospitalized in critical condition by Monday afternoon. The third injured person received treatment at a local hospital and was subsequently released. All three had been shot in the initial barrage near the valet station.
Additional minor injuries were reported at the scene
Beyond the gunshot victims, three more people required medical attention for secondary injuries. One person suffered a minor graze wound to their pinky finger. Another was treated for severe anxiety following the traumatic event. Additionally, one person sustained injuries while attempting to flee the area. One Reno police officer also received treatment for minor injuries, apparently caused by glass fragments.
Officials Address Motive and Community Impact
Police investigators remain puzzled about what triggered the deadly attack at Grand Sierra Reno. As authorities piece together the chaotic scene, officials have addressed public concerns about safety and provided preliminary findings from their investigation.
No known connection between the suspect and the victims
Investigators have determined that the Reno casino shooting appears entirely random. “At this time, we have no reason to believe there’s a connection between any of the victims and the suspect. And we have no known motive by the suspect,” stated Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth. Authorities described the shooter merely as an “adult male”. Police confirmed the victims were shot at random, with no discernible pattern to the violence. Despite extensive preliminary investigation, officials have been unable to establish any relationship between the gunman and those he targeted.
Statements from the Reno mayor and the Nevada governor
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve expressed that the tragedy was “weighing heavily on everyone’s heart”. She acknowledged first responders’ crucial role, noting that “there was incredible swift action that took place”. Meanwhile, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, formerly sheriff during the 2017 Las Vegas casino shooting, urged residents to “pray for the victims and their families and for our brave first responders”. Mayor Schieve further emphasized life’s fragility: “Please tell your family, your loved ones, your friends that you love them every day, because life can be very unpredictable”.
Investigation led by Sparks Police due to officer-involved shooting
Primarily because Reno police officers fired upon the suspect, the neighboring Sparks Police Department has assumed control of the investigation. Police officials confirmed via social media that “there was no threat to the community” following the incident. The cooperative arrangement allows for independent examination of both the shooting itself and officers’ use of force. Authorities continue gathering witness statements and analyzing evidence from the scene.
Final Thoughts
Community leaders and residents expressed profound grief and solidarity as the Reno casino shooting sent shockwaves through Nevada. Reno City Council member Devon Reese described the incident as “yet another act of senseless gun violence”. “My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and our entire community,” he stated, adding, “Reno is strong — but we are not immune to the epidemic of gun violence gripping this nation”.
Mayor Hillary Schieve emphasized life’s fragility in her public comments: “Please tell your family, your loved ones, your friends that you love them every day, because life can be very unpredictable”. She furthermore thanked first responders for their swift actions that likely prevented additional casualties.
Governor Joe Lombardo urged residents to join him and his wife “in praying for the victims and their families and our brave first responders”. The Grand Sierra Reno management expressed they were “heartbroken by the senseless violence”.
Reno Police Department Chief Kathryn Nance acknowledged that “tragedies like this are horrific for any community to endure”. Nevertheless, officials noted the casino remains fully operational with no ongoing threat to the public. The resort is actively working to support guests and team members affected by the incident.