Las Vegas, NV — What began as a typical Friday afternoon workout at the Las Vegas Athletic Club turned into a nightmare of chaos and violence when gunfire erupted inside the facility, leaving one person dead, three others injured, and a community reeling.
A Routine Visit Turns Deadly
At approximately 4:00 p.m. on May 16, Daniel Ortega, 34, entered the gym he regularly attended—but this time, not to exercise. Armed with a .223-caliber rifle and multiple magazines of ammunition, Ortega calmly walked through the lobby, appearing purposeful but not initially aggressive.
Witnesses described his demeanor as unsettling. One gym-goer even mistook him for a police officer. When questioned about the weapon, Ortega reportedly replied, “It’s fake… No, it’s real. You should get out of here.”
Within minutes, he approached the front desk and opened fire.
A Life Cut Short
The first and only fatality was 31-year-old Edgar Quinonez, a beloved gym employee and local resident. Authorities say there was no known relationship between Ortega and Quinonez, though investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a targeted attack.
As bullets flew, panic spread throughout the building. Some patrons fled the gym; others sought safety wherever they could — hiding behind equipment, in bathrooms, and even on the roof. Emergency dispatchers fielded over 30 frantic 911 calls, each describing the terror unfolding inside.
Three others were injured during the assault, including one who remains in critical condition. The identities of the injured have not yet been released.
Police Response and Suspect Killed
According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, Ortega’s rifle malfunctioned during the assault — a mechanical failure that may have prevented the shooting from escalating into a large-scale mass casualty event. After firing 24 rounds, he attempted to exit the building, still armed.
Officers confronted Ortega outside the gym and fatally shot him. He later died at a local hospital.
Motive Remains a Mystery
Despite Ortega being a frequent gym-goer at the same facility, police say no clear motive has been established. He reportedly moved past other gym members without harming them, even directing some to move aside. These behaviors have led authorities to question whether Quinonez was a deliberate target — though that remains unconfirmed.
Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that Ortega had no known criminal history or prior interactions with law enforcement that would have indicated a risk.
A City Grapples With Another Trauma
The shooting has shaken a city still carrying the scars of previous mass violence. In a space meant for health, community, and personal growth, patrons and staff instead witnessed tragedy and heroism.
Mental health concerns and the need for improved threat assessment are once again part of the public conversation. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Athletic Club remains closed as investigators continue piecing together the moments that turned a place of strength into a scene of sorrow.
Sources:
• Las Vegas Review-Journal
• 8 News Now Las Vegas
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
