Violence Erupts at Grand Sierra Resort
Monday morning in Reno turned tragic as gunshots rang out at the Grand Sierra Resort casino, sending guests and staff into chaos. Just before 7:30 a.m., a gunman approached a group near the resort’s valet entrance and opened fire, killing two people instantly. Bystanders scrambled for cover as security and local police rushed in.
The shooter didn’t stop there. After the initial attack, he tried to escape into the sprawling parking lot of the resort, the largest casino in Nevada with 100,000 square feet bustling with visitors, staff, and early morning gamblers. Caught in a brief but intense exchange of gunfire with both security guards and police, the gunman managed to shoot and kill a third person outside before being shot by officers and taken down.
No Clear Motive, Community in Shock
With the attacker now in critical condition at a local hospital, authorities still have big questions. Reno Police spokesperson Chris Johnson confirmed at least six victims—three dead and three injured—but said the shooter had no apparent connection to those targeted. Officers found the suspect carrying multiple magazines, making it clear he came prepared for a deadly confrontation, but so far, there’s no sign of any specific motive or connection between him and the victims.
The attack has left the Reno community reeling. City Councilmember Devon Reese called it another heartbreaking example of the national gun violence epidemic. The casino, home to 2,000 rooms and a popular destination for locals and travelers, was quickly cordoned off, with guests told to stay inside and avoid the surrounding area as investigators and emergency crews took over.
By 8 a.m., the area around the Grand Sierra Resort was swarming with police in tactical gear, ambulance crews, and crime scene investigators. The scene outside—the third victim lying in the parking lot surrounded by authorities—was a sobering reminder of how violence can shatter a busy weekday in seconds. A press conference is scheduled for the afternoon, but so far, officials have kept quiet on the shooter’s identity and any information about those killed or wounded.
Many in Reno are, understandably, unsettled. The Grand Sierra Resort is a major gathering spot, and many staff and visitors know each other. As families wait for news and the resort’s casino floor sits eerily quiet, questions about safety and gun control are already top of mind. Authorities, meanwhile, urge patience as they dig into what led to this senseless act and work to piece together the shooter’s intentions. For now, all eyes remain on updates from the police—and the hope that the community can find a way forward after such an awful morning.