A rifle-wielding gym member in Las Vegas fired 24 rounds inside a fitness center, killing a beloved employee before his weapon jammed, preventing what police called a potential “mass casualty event.”
At a Glance
- Daniel Ortega, 34, opened fire at Las Vegas Athletic Club, killing longtime employee Edgar Quinonez, 31, and injuring three others
- Police shot Ortega six times as he exited the building after his rifle malfunctioned
- Ortega had additional ammunition and magazines, indicating plans for more extensive violence
- The shooter had prior arrests for DUI and drug trafficking but avoided serious legal consequences
- No connection has been established between the shooter and victims as investigation continues
Armed Gym Member Opens Fire at Las Vegas Athletic Club
Daniel Ortega, a 34-year-old member of the Las Vegas Athletic Club, entered the fitness facility with a rifle on Friday afternoon and began a shooting rampage that left one dead and three injured. According to police, Ortega approached the front desk, paced briefly, and exchanged words with an employee before opening fire. The gunman then pursued employees deeper into the building while continuing to shoot. Authorities responded quickly after receiving multiple 911 calls about the incident, arriving on scene within minutes.
The victim killed in the attack was identified as Edgar Quinonez, a 31-year-old employee who had dedicated 15 years of service to the gym. Three additional people sustained injuries during the shooting, with at least one reported in critical condition. Police have stated they have found no prior connection between Ortega and Quinonez, leaving investigators still working to determine a motive behind the seemingly random attack.
Weapon Malfunction Prevented Greater Tragedy
Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser revealed that what could have been an even more devastating tragedy was averted when Ortega’s rifle malfunctioned during the attack. This critical equipment failure likely saved numerous lives in the crowded gym facility. When police arrived, Ortega was attempting to exit the building, no longer actively shooting due to his weapon failure.
“Fortunately, this gentleman had a malfunction in his weapon, which actually saved this from being a mass casualty event,” Prosser said.
Officers immediately engaged Ortega as he exited the building, firing multiple shots and striking him six times. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. A subsequent search of Ortega revealed he was carrying additional ammunition and magazines, further confirming law enforcement’s assessment that he had intended to inflict far more casualties had his weapon continued functioning.
Shooter’s Criminal History Raises Questions
Records show that Ortega was no stranger to law enforcement, though he had managed to avoid serious consequences for previous offenses. His criminal history included a DUI charge and a drug trafficking charge from 2013. In both cases, Ortega had received alternative sentencing or had charges dismissed, raising questions about whether stricter legal consequences might have prevented the gym attack.
“The suspect followed the employee deeper into the business and continued to fire rounds,” Prosser said.
Assistant Sheriff Prosser noted that had Ortega survived, he would have faced multiple serious charges, including murder and multiple counts of attempted murder. The rapid police response has been credited with preventing further loss of life, though questions remain about how Ortega was able to enter a public gym with a rifle without being stopped. Authorities continue to investigate all aspects of the case, including reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses.
