A shooting at the Las Vegas Athletic Club on May 16, 2025, left two people dead and three others injured, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
The incident occurred around 1:34 p.m. at the fitness facility located at 1725 North Rainbow Boulevard near Lake Mead Boulevard in northwest Las Vegas, Nevada. Officers responded to reports of shots being fired inside the business, where they encountered an armed suspect at the entrance.
Police stated the suspect attempted to flee the scene, prompting officers to discharge their firearms. “Officers identified a suspect standing at the door armed with the firearm. The suspect ran out the door and officers discharged their firearms, striking him,” according to the department’s news release.
Law enforcement personnel immediately took the suspect into custody and rendered medical aid. The gunman was transported to University Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. His identity has not been released by authorities.
Inside the gym, police discovered one deceased victim. On May 17, the Las Vegas Athletic Club identified the victim as Edgar Quinonez, a 15-year employee of the fitness center. Quinonez was described by colleagues as a dedicated staff member who was known for his positive attitude.
Three additional people were injured during the shooting. One victim remains in critical condition while two others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. One of the injured individuals transported themselves to the hospital.
Witness Gary Steward, 20, indicated that he observed the suspect enter the building through the front desk area before firing shots inside. Steward and his friend Liam Johnson, 19, had stopped at a nutrition store before heading to the gym, which he believes potentially saved their lives as they would have otherwise been near the front desk during the shooting.
Another witness, Claudio Vigani, who was exercising at the facility when the shooting occurred, described being urgently told to evacuate the premises. Other gym members reported scenes of panic as people fled the building while shots were being fired.
A growing memorial with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes has been placed outside the facility in honor of Quinonez. According to fellow staff members and gym patrons, Quinonez was attempting to warn others and help people escape when he was shot.
A gym member and friend of Quinonez expressed his sadness at the loss, describing the victim as a kind-hearted individual. Other colleagues noted that Quinonez was an avid sports enthusiast who particularly enjoyed following the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Las Vegas Athletic Club released a statement on social media following the incident, expressing their prayers and sadness. The facility remains temporarily closed while police continue their investigation.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed a motive for the shooting. Undersheriff Andrew Walsh confirmed during a press conference that there was no longer any threat to the public following the incident.
This marks the third officer-involved shooting in Las Vegas for 2025. The police department confirmed that no officers were injured during the confrontation with the suspect.
According to one witness account, the suspect was armed with a long gun when he entered the facility. Some preliminary reports suggest the attack may have been targeted rather than random, though police have not officially confirmed this information.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and is reviewing security footage from inside the facility. The fitness center’s management has indicated they are fully cooperating with law enforcement by providing video footage to assist with the investigation.
