A shooting at the Las Vegas Athletic Club on May 16, 2025, resulted in two fatalities and three injuries, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The incident began at approximately 1:34 p.m. at the facility located at 1725 North Rainbow Boulevard near Lake Mead Boulevard in northwest Las Vegas, Nevada. Officers responded to reports of gunfire within the establishment, where they encountered an armed suspect at the entrance.
Police reported that the suspect, 34-year-old Daniel Ortega, a gym member, attempted to flee, prompting officers to use their firearms. “Officers identified a suspect standing at the door armed with a firearm. The suspect ran out the door and officers discharged their firearms, striking him,” stated the department’s news release.
Law enforcement took Ortega, a bellman at a Vegas property, into custody and administered medical aid. He was transported to University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Inside the gym, police found one deceased individual. On May 17, the Las Vegas Athletic Club identified the victim as Edgar Quinonez, a 15-year employee of the fitness center. Colleagues described Quinonez as a committed staff member known for his positive demeanor.
Three additional individuals sustained injuries. One remains in critical condition, while two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities. One of the injured victims self-transported to the hospital.
It was later determined that Ortega shot 24 rounds with an Olympic Arms PCR-223 caliber rifle and many ammunition magazines. LVMPD Asst. Sheriff Jamie Prosser said if his rifle had not malfunctioned at one point the shooting would have been a mass casualty event.
Witness Gary Steward, 20, reported seeing the suspect enter through the front desk area and discharge his weapon inside. Steward and his friend Liam Johnson, 19, had visited a nutrition store before heading to the gym, a decision they believe may have saved their lives, as they would have otherwise been near the front desk during the shooting.
Another witness, Claudio Vigani, who was exercising at the time, recounted being urgently instructed to leave the premises. Other gym members described scenes of panic as people evacuated the building while shots were being fired.
A growing memorial featuring flowers, candles, and notes was placed outside the facility to honor Quinonez. According to fellow staff and gym patrons, Quinonez was attempting to warn others and assist in their escape when he was shot.
A gym member and Quinonez’s friend expressed sorrow at his loss, describing him as a kind-hearted person. Other colleagues noted Quinonez’s enthusiasm for sports, particularly the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Las Vegas Athletic Club released a statement on social media, expressing their condolences and sadness. The facility remains temporarily closed as police continue their investigation.
Law enforcement officials have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. Undersheriff Andrew Walsh confirmed at a press conference that there is no longer a threat to the public.
This incident marks the third officer-involved shooting in Las Vegas for 2025. The police department confirmed that no officers were injured during the encounter with the suspect.
According to a witness account, the suspect was armed with a long gun upon entering the facility. Preliminary reports suggest the attack might have been targeted rather than random, although police have not confirmed this officially.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the shooting and reviewing security footage from the facility. The management of the fitness center has indicated full cooperation with law enforcement by providing video footage to aid in the investigation.
