Tragic Shooting at Las Vegas Athletic Club Leaves One Dead

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Police at the scene of the shooting incident at Las Vegas Athletic Club.

News Summary

A shooting incident at the Las Vegas Athletic Club resulted in the death of one employee and injuries to three others. The gunman, 34-year-old Daniel Ortega, opened fire with a rifle after a confrontation with staff. He was later shot by police. Witnesses reported chaos as gymgoers attempted to escape the gunfire. This tragic event raises ongoing concerns about gun violence and public safety in the community.

Las Vegas – A gunman killed one employee and injured three others at the Las Vegas Athletic Club on North Rainbow Boulevard before being shot by police. The incident took place on May 16, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Daniel Ortega, entered the gym armed with a .223 caliber rifle and began firing shortly after a confrontation with a staff member.

Edgar Quinonez, a 31-year-old employee of the gym, was fatally shot during the incident, which involved Ortega firing a total of 24 rounds. Tragically, three other individuals inside the gym sustained injuries due to the shooting. One victim is reported to be critically injured, while two others were taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Additionally, a fourth victim self-transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

As chaos erupted within the gym, police officers responded swiftly, with Officer Kaid Urban, Officer Skeeter Black, and Officer Aaron Javier arriving shortly after the shooting began. Officer Javier engaged Ortega by firing at him through a window as he was inside the gym. Ortega managed to flee outside, where police officers eventually shot him. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Officials have indicated that had Ortega survived, he would have faced serious legal repercussions, including one count of murder with a deadly weapon, three counts of attempted murder, and five counts of assault with a deadly weapon. This tragic event marks the third officer-involved shooting in Las Vegas in 2025, and notably, all three incidents have resulted in fatalities.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with gymgoers rushing to escape as shots rang out. The Las Vegas Police Department has communicated that there is currently no ongoing threat to the public. An investigation into Ortega’s motives for the shooting is still underway, as authorities seek to understand the circumstances that led to this violent act.

This incident comes amidst growing concerns over gun violence and public safety in the area. Police have reiterated their commitment to addressing such issues and ensuring the safety of community spaces like fitness centers where individuals seek to engage in healthy activities. The department continues to investigate the matter thoroughly and encourage anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.

The Las Vegas Athletic Club, situated in a busy area, is typically a bustling fitness venue frequented by many local residents. The club has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident but is expected to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the investigation progresses. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they work to provide support to those affected by the shooting and to reassure the community.