Three people killed in mass shooting at Reno casino; police seek motive for attack

Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times on Jul 28, 2025

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A gunman opened fire Monday morning at one of Reno's biggest casino and hotel complexes, killing three people and injuring several others before being shot and taken into custody by police.

The violence rocked Reno's sprawling resort district and left investigators trying to piece together what happened and determine a motive of the shooting.

The shooting reportedly occurred at the parking lot of the Grand Sierra Resort.

At a press conference Monday afternoon, Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth said an unidentified male suspect emerged at the casino's valet area after walking through a parking lot from the north. As he approached a group of people there, he pulled out the gun and tried to open fire but the gun initially malfunctioned, police said. The suspect then got the firearm working and began shooting.

One of those victims died at the scene and another died later at the hospital. Two of the other victims were listed still in critical condition Monday afternoon and a third person was treated at the hospital and released.

The suspect then fled through the parking lot and opened fire on a security guard, who returned fire, Crawforth said. As the gunman continued fleeing, he encountered a vehicle moving through the parking lot and opened fire on the driver, killing them, police said. Soon after, police arrived.

The man was confronted by Reno Police officers and fired upon them, hitting a patrol vehicle, he said. Officers then shot the man, who is listed in critical condition.

"At this time we have no reason to believe there's any connection between any of the victims and the suspect, and we have no known motive by the suspect," Crawforth said.

Police have still not determined a motive for the attack.

"Tragedies like this are horrific for any community to endure, not just for the victims, the first responders and the people who were there, but for everyone involved in our community," Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance said. "Violence is not acceptable, especially in our public spaces."

Michael Sisco, who was staying at the resort, told CNN that he was heading outside when he heard "unmistakable gunshots" in "rapid succession."

"I looked out the window and saw people running," Sisco said.

One person had been shot and crawled to a nearby car and lay on the ground, he said.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve told the Reno Gazette-Journal that two people were killed and at least four others were in critical conditions.

"It could have been much, much worse," Schieve said. "We don't know yet quite how it started or who was involved."

In a statement, Schieve acknowledged "it is very early in the investigation and details are scarce."

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo confirmed that the Nevada Department of Public Safety is helping local authorities with the investigation.

"While we wait for more information, please join Donna and me in praying for the victims and their families and for our brave first responders," he said.

Reno Councilmember Devon Reese also spoke out after the shooting.

"Tragically, lives were lost this morning in Reno during another act of senseless gun violence," he wrote in a social media post. "My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and our community. Reno is strong — but we are not immune to the gun violence sweeping our nation. We cannot accept this as normal. Not here. Not anywhere."

The Grand Sierra Resort is one of the biggest hotel and casino complexes in Reno. The 27-story building has nearly 2,000 rooms as well as casinos, spas and restaurants. It was previously branded the MGM and later the Bally's hotel and resort.

The resort issued a statement saying it was "heartbroken by the senseless violence that occurred in our parking area earlier today."

"We are incredibly grateful for the swift and courageous response by our armed security team, whose immediate actions helped prevent further harm," the statement said. "We also want to thank the Reno Police Department for their rapid assistance and coordination, which was instrumental in quickly eliminating the threat and protecting lives."

The hotel remained in full operation Monday.

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