Two Dead, Multiple Injured in Shooting at Las Vegas Gym

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (AP) — A shooting at the Las Vegas Athletic Club on North Rainbow Boulevard on May 16 left two people dead and at least three others injured. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) responded to reports of shots fired around 1:30 p.m. local time.

According to LVMPD Sheriff Andrew Walsh, a suspect armed with a firearm entered the gym and began shooting. Eyewitnesses described the chaos as patrons fled for safety. “It sounded like weights dropping at first, but then I saw him firing,” recounted one witness. “I didn’t know what to do. It was surreal.”

Officers arrived on the scene quickly, where they encountered the armed suspect. As the suspect attempted to escape, police discharged their weapons, striking the man. He was taken to University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

One victim, identified as Edgar Quinonez, a gym employee, was found deceased inside the facility. Four additional people were transported to hospitals; one of these victims is in critical condition, while another sustained non-life-threatening injuries. A third individual involved sought medical attention independently.

The incident prompted temporary lockdowns at nearby schools, including McMillan Elementary and Fong Elementary, which have since been lifted. Traffic near the scene was affected for several hours, but streets have reopened.

The shooting marks a continuation of public safety concerns surrounding gun violence in community spaces. It is also the third officer-involved shooting reported by LVMPD this year.

Las Vegas Athletic Clubs released a statement expressing their sorrow about the tragedy and stated that the club would remain closed to assist police with the ongoing investigation. The gym described Quinonez as a beloved member of their team for 15 years, sharing he would be deeply missed.

The police department has confirmed that no officers were injured during the incident. A motive for the shooting has not yet been disclosed.