Gunman Kills Three in Mass Shooting at Reno Casino

 ^{Officials are reporting that a gunman shot multiple people outside of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino on Monday. (Photo: Susan Pease / Alamy)}

Six people were shot and three were killed when a gunman opened fire early Monday morning in the valet area of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, according to authorities.

The gunman, who has yet to be named, was shot by police after he opened fire on officers responding to the scene. The shooter was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

Two Victims Remain in Critical Condition 

Two of the victims of the shooting have been hospitalized and are currently in critical condition, according to police officials.

The shootings began around 7:25 am local time when a man began shooting a handgun in the casino’s parking lot. Five of the six victims were shot in the valet area, with one individual dying at the scene and another dying later at a hospital. 

The gunman then traded fire with a casino security guard as he attempted to flee the scene. A third person was killed while driving in the parking lot after the gunman resumed shooting during a getaway attempt. 

“I want to start with my deepest condolences to the victims and their families, as well as to our entire community,” Reno police chief Kathryn Nance said at a Monday afternoon press conference. “Tragedies like this are horrific for any community to endure.”

A hospital spokesperson said that the Renown Regional Emergency room in Reno was treating several patients for gunshot wounds, though medical privacy laws prevented the trauma center from releasing more details at this time.

Police say there was no clear motive for the attack. According to officials, the gunman had no known connection to any of the victims.

Officials Say Rapid Response Prevented Further Casualties

According to the Reno Police Department, officers arrived on the scene within two and a half minutes of getting the initial report of an active shooter.

“There was incredible swift action that took place,” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve told reporters, saying that the gunman was prevented from getting inside the casino by security and police officers.

The Grand Sierra Resort echoed those comments.

“We are incredibly grateful for the swift and courageous response by our armed security team, whose immediate actions helped prevent further hard,” the Grand Sierra Resort said in a statement. “We also want to thank the Reno Police Department for their rapid assistance and coordination, which was instrumental in quickly eliminating the threat and protecting lives.”

One police officer suffered minor injuries resulting from broken glass, according to law enforcement officials.

The Grand Sierra Resort confirmed that none of its employees were injured during the attack. The resort was fully operational and open as of Monday afternoon.

“We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that occurred in our parking area earlier today,” the resort said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic incident.”

The Grand Sierra Resort first opened in 1978 as the MGM Grand. Since then, it has existed under the Bally’s and Reno Hilton brands before taking on its current name in 2006. The resort is currently in the middle of a $1 billion expansion effort announced in 2023, which is expected to take a decade to complete.