Armed Suspect Fatally Shot by Police After Las Vegas Gym Shooting

Newly released footage reveals the moment Las Vegas police opened fire on a gunman who emerged from a health club after a violent incident that left one person dead and several others injured.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that 34-year-old Daniel Ortega was shot by officers on Friday afternoon and subsequently died. If he had survived, he would have faced multiple charges, including murder with a deadly weapon, as well as three counts each of attempted murder and assault against a protected person.

Incident Overview

According to LVMPD Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser, this tragic shooting marks the third officer-involved shooting incident of the year. She noted that by this time last year, the situation was similar, with three fatal officer-involved shootings reported.

The chaotic events unfolded at approximately 1:30 p.m. when Ortega entered the Las Vegas Athletic Club, armed with a rifle.

Details of the Shooting

While walking through the gym, Ortega passed several gym-goers before approaching an employee at the front desk. Reports indicate that Ortega began pacing in the front desk area until another employee came to assist him.

As tensions escalated, Ortega raised his weapon and opened fire, wounding the front desk employee. He then continued deeper into the gym, discharging additional rounds. Eventually, he returned to the front lobby area and fired even more shots until his weapon malfunctioned.

Casualties and Victims

Investigators reported that Ortega fired a total of 24 rounds during the incident. As he attempted to flee the scene, he was struck by police gunfire and fell to the ground, where officers were able to apprehend him.

Medical personnel were called to the scene and transported Ortega to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. During the response, officers also located three individuals within the gym suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Tragically, one victim succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the other two were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Additional Victim Report

Authorities later discovered that a fourth victim had self-transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, underscoring the chaotic nature of the shooting.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into this shooting incident is ongoing, with police examining all angles of the case. Officials stress the importance of ensuring accuracy in their findings while keeping the community informed about developments in this alarming event.

The incident raises broader questions concerning public safety in places of gathering and the urgent need for dialogue around gun violence in America. As the community seeks answers, officials and law enforcement continue to cooperate in the aftermath of this tragic event.

Community Response

Residents of Las Vegas are grappling with the shock of this incident, wondering how such violence can erupt in familiar and usually safe spaces. Community leaders have called for calm and urged residents to support each other during this difficult time.

The police are committed to providing transparency as they navigate the aftermath of the shooting and are working closely with local organizations aimed at addressing violence in the community.

As investigations proceed, more details may emerge, providing clarity on Ortega’s motivations and the circumstances that led to the shooting. In the meantime, the focus remains on healing the community and supporting the victims and their families.