On the morning of July 28, 2025, a gunman opened fire outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, killing two people and injuring several others before being taken into custody. The incident, which unfolded around 7:30 a.m. near the resort’s valet area, sent shockwaves through the community and highlighted the persistent issue of gun violence in the United States.
According to Reno police spokesperson Chris Johnson, officers responded swiftly to reports of an active shooter at the Grand Sierra Resort, one of the largest casinos in northern Nevada. Within minutes, they located the suspect, who was wounded in an officer-involved shooting and transported to a local hospital. The suspect’s condition remains unknown, and authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Caroline Ackerman, a spokesperson for Renown Regional Medical Center, confirmed that the hospital’s emergency department received multiple patients with gunshot wounds. In addition to the two fatalities, at least three others were hospitalized, and three more individuals were treated at the scene for minor injuries, including a bullet graze, severe anxiety, and an injury sustained while fleeing the chaos.
Witness Michael Sisco, a 60-year-old guest at the resort, described a terrifying scene. “I heard popping sounds and saw people screaming and running from the valet area,” he said. From his room, Sisco witnessed a man staggering, clutching his stomach, before collapsing next to a car. “I realized I could’ve been there,” he added, shaken by the close call.
The Grand Sierra Resort, located just blocks from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, is a prominent venue known for hosting concerts, sporting events, and even a campaign rally for President Donald Trump in 2024. Its sprawling casino floor and nearly 2,000 hotel rooms make it a bustling hub for tourists and locals alike. The shooting, which may have extended beyond the valet area to other parts of the property, disrupted the vibrant atmosphere of this popular destination.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve expressed relief that the situation was contained quickly but acknowledged its gravity. “It could have been much, much worse,” she said, noting that the investigation into the motive and circumstances is ongoing. City Council member Devon Reese, also the chair of the Northern Nevada Board of Health, shared a heartfelt message on social media: “My heart breaks for the victims, their families, and our entire community. Reno is strong — but we are not immune to the epidemic of gun violence gripping this nation.”
This incident marks the second fatal shooting at the Grand Sierra Resort in less than two years, following a January 2024 shooting where two men were charged with murder. The recurrence of violence at this prominent location has reignited discussions about gun violence in the U.S., with local leaders and residents grappling with its impact.
As investigations continue, the Reno community mourns the loss of life and seeks answers. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing cities across the country, where moments of violence can shatter the sense of safety in even the most vibrant public spaces.