News Summary
A tragic shooting at the Las Vegas Athletic Club resulted in the death of employee Edgar Quinonez and left several others injured. The attacker, Daniel Ortega, was arrested after police responded to the scene, where his firearm malfunctioned during the incident. Authorities are investigating the motive behind Ortega’s actions, noting his prior legal issues. This event has raised concerns regarding public safety and may spark discussions on gun control in the community.
Las Vegas Shooting Incident Claims Life
Las Vegas experienced a tragic shooting on May 16, 2025, when Daniel Ortega entered the Las Vegas Athletic Club, armed with an Olympic Arms PCR .223 rifle. During the incident, Ortega fired at least 24 rounds following a brief verbal exchange with 31-year-old employee Edgar Quinonez, who was killed. Several others sustained injuries, with three victims taken to a nearby hospital and a fourth receiving non-life-threatening treatment.
Police received reports of gunfire shortly after 1:30 p.m. and responded promptly. Officers Kaid Urban, Skeeter Black, and Aaron Javier arrived on the scene to find Ortega inside the club. In an attempt to neutralize the threat, Officer Javier fired one round through a window. Ortega exited the building, at which point officers engaged him and fired back. Ortega was hit and fell to the ground, where he was subsequently taken into custody by the police.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that Ortega’s firearm malfunctioned during the shooting. If he had survived, he would have faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and assault, according to Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser.
Victims and Response
The shooting had immediate and devastating impacts. Edgar Quinonez lost his life, which has left his family and friends mourning. Among the injured, three individuals were transported to the hospital, while another sought medical help for injuries that were not life-threatening. The rapid response of police undoubtedly helped prevent further casualties.
Investigation Into Shooting
The motive behind Daniel Ortega’s violent actions remains unclear and is currently under active investigation. Authorities have noted that Ortega was a registered member of the Las Vegas Athletic Club, but there appeared to be no known connection between him and the deceased employee, Quinonez. Neighbors reported a significant police presence at Ortega’s residence in the aftermath of the incident, further emphasizing the community’s concern.
Records reveal that Ortega had prior legal issues, having been arrested for DUI and drug trafficking in 2013. He had fulfilled the terms of his sentence, which included community service and substance abuse counseling. Neighbors indicated that Ortega was seen in the area prior to the shooting, which may become relevant as investigators piece together his actions leading up to the tragic event.
Long-Term Community Impact
This incident is a stark reminder of the potential for sudden violence in public spaces. Las Vegas, known for its vibrant community and diverse population, will likely reflect on this day with somber remembrance due to the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained. Conversations around community safety and gun control may emerge as a result of this incident, as law enforcement and local residents grapple with the lasting implications of such violence.
As investigations continue, the focus will remain on uncovering the motivations behind Ortega’s actions and working to ensure the safety of all members of the community.
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Additional Resources
- Fox5 Vegas: One Week Mark Since Deadly Las Vegas Gym Shooting
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- NBC News: Las Vegas Police Identify Gunman
- Google Search: Las Vegas Shooting 2025
- Police1: Officers Take Down Suspect Who Fired 24 Rounds
- Google Scholar: Las Vegas shooting 2025
- News3LV: Police Investigate Home Linked to Gunman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- 8 News Now: Las Vegas Officers Who Killed Gym Gunman
- Google News: Las Vegas Gym Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
