Three people were killed and two were critically injured when an unidentified gunman randomly opened fire Monday morning at a crowd and motorist outside a Reno casino, according to authorities.
The suspect in the shooting at the Grand Sierra Resort was taken into custody and transported to a hospital after being wounded in what the Reno Police Department called an officer-involved shooting. Police said the suspect confronted the officers with a firearm.
Six people were shot by the suspect, according to the Sparks Police Department, which has taken the lead in the investigation of both the active shooter and the officer-involved shooting
Sparks police said the suspect, a white man, was seen walking into the casino’s parking lot and approached the valet area, where the suspect pointed a gun at the group of victims. At first, the firearm malfunctioned. Then the suspect operated it, firing multiple times, police said.
Five people in the valet area were shot, and one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, Sparks police said. The other four victims were taken to the hospital, where one of them was pronounced dead. Two of them remain in critical condition, and the final victim was released, police said.
A casino security officer found the suspect in the parking lot, and the suspect fired at the officer, Sparks police said.
The casino security officer returned fire. The suspect fled north through the parking lot and opened fire on a motorist driving through the parking lot, Sparks police said. The motorist was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reno police, who reported getting a call about the shooter at 7:25 a.m. and arriving two and a half-minutes later, found the suspect in the parking lot, where the suspect approached officers with his firearm, police said.
The suspect fired at the officers, striking a patrol vehicle, Sparks police said. Reno police officers fired at the suspect, wounding him, Sparks police said. “The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local area hospital where he remains in critical condition.”
“At this time, we have no reason to believe there is a connection between the suspect and victims,” Sparks police said.
Witnesses who haven’t spoken to police or anyone else with information are asked to call the Sparks Police Department at 775-353-2231. Information can be left anonymously by calling or texting 775-322-4900 or at secretwitness.com.
Gov. Joe Lombardo said the Nevada Department of Public Safety is assisting with the investigation.
“While we wait for more information, please join Donna and me in praying for the victims and their families and for our brave first responders,” Lombardo posted on X, referring to first lady Donna Lombardo.
“My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and our entire community,” Reno City Council member Devon Reese posted on Facebook. “Reno is strong — but we are not immune to the epidemic of gun violence gripping this nation.
“We cannot accept this as normal,” Reese wrote. “Not here. Not anywhere.”
Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance expressed condolences to the victims and their families and the community.
“Tragedies like this are horrific for any community to endure, not just for the victims, the first responders, and people who were there, but everyone who calls our community home,” Nance said.
“Violence is not acceptable, especially in our public spaces. Everyone has a right to be safe here, and we are committed to ensuring safety in our city. I want to be clear; the suspect is to blame for his actions and is responsible for the tragedies he created.”
Reno police said one of its officers had minor injuries during the response, most likely from glass fragments. There were no other injuries to the police.
Assisting with the response were the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Nevada Highway Patrol, Nevada Parks and Probation, Sparks Police Department, the Reno Fire Department and the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority.