RENO, Nev. (BN24) — A gunman opened fire outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, early Monday morning, killing three people and wounding several others in a violent outburst that ended with the suspect being shot and arrested by police, authorities said.
The shooting occurred around 7:30 a.m. near the valet area of the resort, one of Reno’s most prominent entertainment venues and the largest casino in northern Nevada. The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, reportedly acted alone and had no known ties to the victims or the property.
According to officials, the suspect approached a group outside the casino, pulled a handgun, and attempted to fire. The weapon initially malfunctioned, but he quickly cleared it and opened fire. He then fled through the parking lot, where he exchanged gunfire with an armed casino security guard before continuing to flee.
Moments later, the suspect shot and killed a passing motorist. Officers from the Reno Police Department arrived on the scene within three minutes and engaged the shooter, who fired at them, striking a patrol vehicle. Police returned fire, critically wounding the suspect and taking him into custody. He remains hospitalized in critical condition.
“This could have been much worse,” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said, praising the rapid police response that prevented the gunman from entering the casino itself. “There was incredible, swift action that took place.”
In total, three people were killed and three others hospitalized. Two victims were reported in critical condition, while one was treated and released. Additionally, three others at the resort were treated for minor injuries — including a bullet graze, anxiety, and a fall while fleeing. One police officer was also injured by what is believed to be shattered glass.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive, though the suspect was found with multiple loaded magazines, indicating he may have planned a more prolonged attack.
The Grand Sierra Resort, which boasts the largest casino floor in northern Nevada and nearly 2,000 hotel rooms, has hosted numerous high-profile events — including a 2024 campaign rally by President Donald Trump. The resort is located just blocks from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and northeast of Lake Tahoe, drawing summer tourists and gamblers alike.
Guests described scenes of chaos and fear as the shots rang out. Michael Sisco, 60, said he was moments away from heading to the valet when he heard the gunfire and looked out his hotel room window.
“I saw people running and screaming. Then I saw a man stagger and collapse next to a car,” Sisco said. “A half hour after the incident, I started shaking. I realized I could’ve been there — that’s exactly where I was going.”
Christina Martinez said she had just stepped onto the elevator when the shooting began. By the time she reached the 18th floor, guests were warning each other that the shooter had been just outside the main entrance — where she had been minutes earlier.
“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.’”
Following the incident, police cordoned off the area leading to the valet zone inside the casino, and privacy screens were erected to block the view of the crime scene. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage.
“This is a tragedy that no community should have to endure,” said Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.”
Just over a year ago, the Grand Sierra was the scene of another deadly shooting when two men were charged in connection with the murder of a guest in January 2024.
