At least three people were killed and three others were injured by a gunman at the Grand Sierra Resort casino in Reno, Nevada, on Monday, authorities said.
Reno Police Chief Kathryn Nance and Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth were among a number of officials who held an afternoon press conference to provide an update on the shooting, which happened shortly before 7:30 a.m.
The suspect’s gun malfunctioned when he initially tried to shoot at a group of innocent bystanders in the valet area of the property, but once he was able “to make it operable,” he fired multiple shots at the victims, Crawforth said.
Five people were initally shot, Crawforth said. One of victims people died at the scene and the rest were taken to an area hospital, where another person died. Two of the other three victims remained in critical condition, while the fifth victim has since been released from treatment.
After that shooting, Crawforth said the suspect, who has not yet been identified, continued north through the parking lot and opened fire on a casino security guard who confronted him. The security guard returned fire, forcing the suspect to continue moving north through the parking lot.
Crawforth said the suspect then shot a sixth victim who was driving through the parking lot. That victim was declared dead at the scene.
Chief Nance said officers quickly responded and located the suspect on the northwest side of the property. Both parties exchanged gunfire once the suspect confronted the officers with a gun.
The suspect was struck by gunfire and remains hospitalized in critical condition. As of Tuesday, authorities say he remains in critical condition.
At least one officer suffered minor injuries, seemingly from glass fragments, Nance said. At least one patrol car was hit by bullets.
Though the resort is located in the city of Reno, Nance said Sparks police would be leading the investigation due to her department’s policy on officer-involved shootings.
Crawforth said there is no known connection between the suspect and the victims.
“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,” said Devon Reese, a Reno city councilmember, in a social media post.
Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Corell identified one of the victims killed in the shooting as Andrew Canepa, a co-owner of a restaurant in Newbury Park.
“Andrew was a kind soul, a dedicated business owner, and a loving father to his young son. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the Side Street Café community during this incredibly difficult time,” Corell wrote.
Sparks police later identified the other two people killed as 23-year-old Justin Aguila, a Southern California resident, and 66-year-old Angel Martinez, a resident of the Reno-Sparks area.
Authorities have not released the identities of any other victims.
In a statement, Grand Sierra Resort officials thanked their security team and first responders for the quick response to the incident. They also confirmed that none of their employees were hurt.
“We are heartbroken by the senseless violence that occurred in our parking area earlier today. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this tragic incident,” Grand Sierra Resort stated.
