3 dead, multiple injured in Reno casino shooting; suspect in custody

RENO, Nev. - At least three people were fatally shot and at least three more hospitalized after a shooting Monday morning at a casino in Reno, Nevada, officials told The Associated Press.

Two victims were in critical condition, while the other had been released from the hospital, Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth said during a news conference Monday.

The gunman who opened fire just outside the Grand Sierra Resort casino shot multiple people before being taken into custody, police said.

What we know:

The shooter walked up to the casino-hotel’s valet parking area, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at a group of people, police said. His gun initially malfunctioned, but he quickly was able to get it to shoot.

The suspect fled on foot through the parking lot where he encountered an armed casino security guard. Crawforth said the gunman opened fire on the guard, who returned fire as the shooter fled.

The suspect also shot at someone driving by in the parking lot, striking and killing the driver.

Officers arrived less than three minutes after the first shots rang out and fired at the suspect, police said in a statement.

"Tragedies like this are horrific for any community to endure," Reno Police Department Chief Kathryn Nance said.

What we don't know:

The suspect had no known connection to the victims, police said, adding that the motive is unknown.

What they're saying:

A member of the Reno City Council, Devon Reese, said he was informed by the city manager's office that there were fatalities reported. He didn't have additional details.

"My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and our entire community. Reno is strong — but we are not immune to the epidemic of gun violence gripping this nation," Reese said in a social media post.

Local perspective:

Hotel guests heard several shots coming from the resort’s valet area around 7:30 a.m.

Michael Sisco, 60, said he was in his room and about to head to the valet for his car when he heard popping sounds. He looked out his window and saw people screaming and running from the valet area.

He said he saw a man holding his stomach and staggering before falling motionless next to a car. Sisco moved away from the window as the gunshots continued.

"A half hour after the incident I started shaking because I realized I could’ve been there," he said. "That’s exactly where I was going."

Christina Martinez heard the shots just as she was stepping onto an elevator in the lobby, and they were still going off when she stepped out onto the 18th floor.

Someone in a neighboring room told her there was a gunman right outside the main entrance, near where Martinez said she was getting coffee just moments before.

"I feel very blessed, but that’s kind of why I had a panic attack," she said. "I was like, oh my God. I was just there."

Dig deeper:

More than a year ago, two men were charged with fatally shooting another man who was staying at the resort in January 2024.

Reno police on Monday warned residents to stay out of the area. Multiple emergency vehicles, including several ambulances, responded outside the casino.

The Grand Sierra claims to have the biggest casino floor in northern Nevada and sits just a few blocks from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. It’s also one of the tallest buildings in the city, with nearly 2,000 hotel rooms.

Last fall, President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in the resort's main ballroom.

"My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and our entire community. Reno is strong — but we are not immune to the epidemic of gun violence gripping this nation," city council member Devon Reese said in a social media post.