GYM SHOOTING STUNS – Vegas KILLER Stopped
At a Las Vegas gym, Daniel Ortega’s attempt at a mass shooting ended in tragedy, claiming the life of long-time employee Edgar Quinonez and injuring three others before police intervention.
At a Glance
- Ortega fired 24 rounds at the Las Vegas Athletic Club, leaving one dead and three injured.
- The shooting ended when police officers shot Ortega, leading to his death at a nearby hospital.
- Ortega had a history of DUI and drug-related offenses but had not served jail time.
- The motive for the shooting remains unknown as police continue their investigation.
Tragedy Unfolds at a Las Vegas Gym
A day of fitness was shattered at the Las Vegas Athletic Club when Daniel Ortega, a 34-year-old member, entered with a rifle. His assault killed Edgar Quinonez, a dedicated staff member with 15 years of service, and injured three others. Unloading 24 rounds, Ortega appeared intent on causing more harm until a firearm malfunction curtailed his assault. Police officers, responding to multiple 911 calls, confronted Ortega as he exited the gym, fatally shooting him.
Sources confirmed that Daniel Ortega had amassed additional ammunition and magazines, suggesting plans for a more extensive attack. Fortunately, the malfunction of his weapon prevented a mass casualty event, as confirmed by Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser. Prosser emphasized, “Fortunately, this gentleman had a malfunction in his weapon, which actually saved this from being a mass casualty event.”
Background of the Shooter
Daniel Ortega’s past included multiple run-ins with the law. His criminal history consisted of DUI and a 2013 drug trafficking charge. Despite these charges, he had sidestepped jail, resolving them via community service or dismissals. The potential charges Ortega faced had he survived underscored the seriousness of his actions—murder and attempted murder. Yet, authorities have not identified any connections between Ortega and his victims, leaving the reasons behind his rampage unclear.
The swift police response prevented further loss of life. Officers arrived within minutes of the first emergency call. Prosser detailed their readiness to engage, stating, “When officers arrived, he had not been shooting. Had he been, they would have pushed through those doors and engaged him.” The officers’ rapid response showcased the importance of vigilance and preparedness in such dire situations.
Community Reflects on the Incident
As the community reels from the senseless violence, questions about Ortega’s motives persist. Gym members, employees, and the broader Las Vegas community mourn Quinonez, who lost his life. Quinonez is remembered as a highly respected and cherished part of the gym family, leaving a void many feel acutely.
The incident sheds light on ongoing concerns about crime, community safety, and mental health issues. For a community already grappling with various challenges, the attack is a harsh reminder of the unpredictability of violence and the need for communal vigilance.
