A deadly shooting outside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, on Monday morning, July 28, left three people dead and three others injured. The gunman, identified as 26-year-old Dakota Hawver of Reno, was shot by police and later died from his injuries on Thursday.

The shooting began around 7:25 a.m. when Hawver walked onto the casino property and approached the valet area in the parking lot. According to Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth, Hawver initially pointed a handgun at a group of people, but the weapon malfunctioned. After making the gun operable, he fired multiple shots at victims in the area.

Five people were shot in the initial attack at the valet stand. One victim died at the scene, while the others were transported to an area hospital, where another person succumbed to their injuries. Two victims remained in critical condition initially, though both are now expected to make full recoveries. A fifth victim was treated and released.

After the valet area shooting, Hawver continued north through the parking lot where he encountered a casino security guard. The suspect opened fire on the security officer, who returned fire, forcing Hawver to keep moving. As he fled through the parking lot, Hawver shot a sixth victim who was driving through the area. That driver, later identified as 66-year-old Angel Martinez of the Reno-Sparks area, was declared dead at the scene.

Reno police officers arrived approximately two and a half minutes after receiving the initial emergency calls. They located Hawver on the northwest side of the property, where he confronted officers with his weapon. Both parties exchanged gunfire, and Hawver was struck by police bullets. He was hospitalized in critical condition before dying on Thursday.

Authorities identified the three victims killed in the attack. Justin Aguila, 33, and Andrew Canepa, 33, both Southern California residents, were in town for a bachelor party with friends. They were shot from behind while waiting in the valet area for transportation to the airport. Martinez was ambushed while driving his vehicle through the casino parking lot away from the building.

Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell identified Canepa as co-owner of Side Street Cafe in Newbury Park. Gorell described Canepa as “a kind soul, a dedicated business owner, and a loving father to his young son.”

Investigators determined that Hawver was armed with a 9mm handgun and multiple magazines, firing approximately 80 rounds during the incident. Police confirmed he legally purchased the firearm about two years ago but had recently bought the ammunition. Hawver had no prior criminal history or documented mental health issues.

Surveillance footage revealed that Hawver had been pacing the resort’s parking lot for approximately 45 minutes before beginning his attack. Authorities found no known connection between the gunman and any of the victims, and no clear motive has been established.

During the confrontation with police, at least one patrol car was struck by bullets. One officer sustained minor injuries, believed to be from glass fragments. The six Reno police officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave, which is standard department policy.

Because the incident involved an officer-involved shooting, the Sparks Police Department is leading the investigation rather than the Reno police, in accordance with departmental policies.

Grand Sierra Resort officials thanked their security team and first responders for their quick response to the incident. The resort confirmed that none of their employees were injured in the attack. The property, which claims to have the largest casino floor in northern Nevada, is located less than three miles east of downtown Reno and sits just blocks from Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

A multifaith candlelight vigil honoring the victims was held Wednesday evening at the Unity Center of Reno. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and other city officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised the rapid response of emergency personnel.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine Hawver’s background and potential motives for the attack. Court records from Washoe County show Hawver was involved in a child support case that was initially filed a year ago, with the most recent entry occurring the Friday before the shooting.