Three Dead in Shooting Outside Reno’s Largest Casino, Gunman Shot and Arrested

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A tragic shooting unfolded Monday morning outside the Grand Sierra Resort, the largest casino in Reno, Nevada, leaving three people dead and three others injured before police shot and arrested the gunman. Authorities say the attacker had no known connection to the victims and that a motive remains unclear.

The shooting occurred around 7:30 am near the valet area of the popular hotel-casino, located just northeast of Lake Tahoe and close to the California state line. The suspect approached a group of people, pulled a handgun, and tried to open fire. Although the weapon jammed initially, the gunman quickly got it working and fired several rounds, hitting multiple victims before fleeing.

Police Response

According to Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth, the suspect encountered a casino security guard as he ran through the parking lot. The gunman fired at the guard, who returned fire, but the shooter continued fleeing. He then fired into a vehicle passing by, killing the driver. Officers from the Reno Police Department arrived within three minutes of the first 911 call. The suspect opened fire on them, hitting a patrol vehicle before officers returned fire and struck the gunman.

The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was carrying multiple firearm magazines and remains in critical condition. Officials are working to determine whether he was a guest or employee at the resort.

Mayor Hillary Schieve credited law enforcement for their rapid response. “There was incredible, swift action that took place,” she said. “It stopped the suspect from going into the casino-hotel to continue the rampage.”

Among the injured, two remain in critical condition, and one has been released. Additionally, three others were treated for minor injuries, including a bullet graze, anxiety, and one person was hurt while fleeing. An officer sustained what is believed to be minor injuries from shattered glass.

Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments as the shooting began. Michael Sisco, 60, said he had just been about to go to the valet area when he heard what sounded like gunfire. “A half hour after the incident, I started shaking because I realized I could’ve been there,” he said. Christina Martinez, another guest, had just grabbed coffee near the entrance when the shots rang out. She later had a panic attack upon realizing how close she had been to danger.

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

This marks the second deadly shooting linked to the resort in just over a year. In January 2024, two men were charged in connection with a separate fatal incident involving a guest.

The Grand Sierra Resort is a major Reno landmark. It features nearly 2,000 rooms and what it claims is the largest casino floor in northern Nevada. The casino is located just a few blocks from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and regularly hosts concerts, conventions, and political events.