LAS VEGAS — A gunman intending to unleash chaos at a local gym was stopped short when his weapon malfunctioned, according to officials. The incident unfolded last Friday at the Las Vegas Athletic Club, leading to a tragic loss of life and several injuries.
Surveillance footage captured 34-year-old Daniel Ortega entering the facility armed with an assault rifle. He approached the front desk staff and moved through the lobby, engaging briefly with other employees before turning violent.
Witnesses reported that Ortega opened fire as an employee attempted to escape. In a harrowing twist, he discharged 24 rounds, fatally striking Edgar Quinonez, the gym manager, and injuring three others present at the time. Authorities believe Ortega had plans for a more extensive attack, but a malfunction in his firearm prevented further tragedy.
“This incident could have resulted in many more casualties,” said Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser. “Fortunately, the suspect’s weapon malfunctioned, which limited the potential scale of this attack.”
As officers arrived on the scene, Ortega was seen attempting to flee. Body camera footage showed the moments leading up to police exchanging gunfire with him. He was subsequently pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are examining Ortega’s motives. It remains unclear whether the individuals shot, apart from Quinonez, were employees or members of the gym. Their medical conditions have not been disclosed as families gather in the wake of the tragedy.
Ortega was a familiar face at the gym, though investigators have not yet determined any personal connection to the victims. The Las Vegas area has endured significant violence before, most notably the mass shooting in 2017, when a gunman killed 61 concert-goers during a music festival.
Community members are left shaken after the incident, and many gathered outside the gym for comfort and support. The police and the community are now united in seeking answers as they come to terms with the events of that fateful day.