Gunman opens fire at Grand Sierra Resort valet station before being shot by police
RENO, Nev. – July 29 – A tragic shooting outside a major Reno casino early Monday morning left three people dead and two others critically wounded before the suspected gunman was shot and subdued by police.
The violence unfolded around 7:30 a.m. local time at the valet station of the Grand Sierra Resort, a high-rise casino and hotel complex in Reno – Nevada’s third-largest city and a major gambling destination. According to law enforcement, the gunman, described only as an adult male, opened fire seemingly at random on people outside the resort.
Random Attack Outside Popular Casino-Hotel
The suspect was seen walking through the casino parking lot before pulling a handgun and targeting a group of people near the valet station, according to Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth, who is leading the investigation in coordination with the Reno Police Department.
“At this time we have no reason to believe there is a connection between any of the victims and the suspect, and we have no known motive,” Crawforth told reporters during a press briefing.
The gunman continued firing and also shot a sixth victim — a motorist who was driving through the parking lot – just moments before responding officers arrived on the scene. A shootout followed, during which the suspect was wounded and taken into custody.
Casualties and Critical Injuries Confirmed
Authorities confirmed that three victims – two near the valet and the motorist – died at the scene. Two additional victims shot near the valet station remain in critical condition at a local hospital. The suspect was also hospitalized and is listed in critical condition.
One Reno Police officer suffered a minor injury from glass fragments during the exchange but is expected to recover fully.
The victims have not yet been publicly identified, and police say the motive remains under investigation. There is no current indication of any ties to terrorism or organized crime.
Grand Sierra Resort: A High-Traffic Gambling Destination
The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino is a major entertainment hub in Reno, featuring a full-scale casino, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and a large convention space. Monday morning’s violence has drawn renewed attention to security and safety protocols at large-scale gaming venues.
Local officials have yet to announce any changes to casino security policy but urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious behavior. The resort’s management has not yet issued a formal statement on the incident.
Investigation Ongoing as Reno Recovers
Police are expected to release additional updates, including identities of the victims and details on the suspect’s background, once the investigation progresses. Authorities say the crime scene was quickly secured and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
This is one of the deadliest shootings at a U.S. casino property in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence in public spaces – even in cities known for tourism and nightlife.