A sense of grief and disbelief lingers in Las Vegas following a deadly shooting at the Las Vegas Athletic Club on May 16, 2025.

Las Vegas Gym Shooting 2025

The shooter, identified as 34-year-old Daniel Ortega, reportedly entered the gym armed with an AR-15-style rifle and opened fire, killing gym manager Edgar Quinonez and injuring three others before being fatally shot by police (here).

Las Vegas Gym Shooting Motive

Ortega, a former gym member, reportedly acted without direct provocation, and investigators have yet to determine a clear motive behind the attack.

Security footage and bodycam videos show the terrifying moments inside the gym and highlight how quickly the situation escalated. Fortunately, a mechanical malfunction in Ortega’s weapon may have prevented what authorities believe could have been a mass-casualty event (here). New audio of the 911 calls has also revealed the terror that unfolded during the incident, as further outlined here.

Las Vegas police responded within minutes, confronting Ortega as he attempted to flee. Officers opened fire, and Ortega was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the hospital. Officials have since praised law enforcement’s swift and effective response.

Las Vegas Gym Shooting Update

The tragedy has left the local community shaken.

Friends, gym members, and family gathered at a vigil outside the fitness center to honor Quinonez, who was remembered as a kind and dedicated leader. Residents are now calling for increased security measures at public facilities and more proactive mental health outreach.

As investigators continue piecing together Ortega’s background and possible motives, Las Vegas is left to process the trauma of yet another act of senseless violence. For many, the shooting underscores the unpredictable nature of public safety today—and the importance of staying vigilant while pushing for meaningful change.

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Published by HOLR Magazine