A deadly shooting disrupted a quiet afternoon at a Las Vegas fitness center, leaving gymgoers scrambling for safety and ending in the suspect's fatal confrontation with police.
According to 8 News Now, authorities confirmed that two individuals, including the suspect, died and several others were hospitalized following a mass shooting Friday afternoon at a Las Vegas Athletic Club.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials said the shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. on May 16 at the Las Vegas Athletic Club location on North Rainbow Boulevard, situated near Lake Mead Boulevard. A report of a person actively firing a weapon inside prompted an urgent police response to the scene.
Upon arrival, responding officers quickly identified the suspect, who was armed with a firearm inside the gym. As the man tried to leave the building, officers confronted him and opened fire. He was struck multiple times during the encounter and later transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The gunfire left one additional person dead inside the facility, while three others were injured and taken to area hospitals. One of the surviving victims remained in critical condition Friday evening, while the two others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses Describe Shock and Sudden Chaos During the Shooting
Gym member Claudio Vigani recalled the terror of the moment the incident began to unfold. “They said get out, get out, get out,” he said. “Then I saw the dead guy next to the machine.” Vigani described the shooter firing around the gym as blood pooled on the floor nearby.
Cell phone footage and surveillance video obtained by 8 News Now added more context to the unfolding chaos. One clip showed police officers firing at the armed suspect outside the gym after he fled the building. Another captured a visibly wounded gym member walking with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his back.
Las Vegas police later confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public and stated that no officers had been injured during the incident. The area around the gym was quickly secured, with all lanes of Rainbow Boulevard between Lake Mead and Vegas Drive closed temporarily by RTC of Southern Nevada to allow for the police investigation.
Investigation Into Motive Still Ongoing, Police Say
As of late Friday, investigators had not yet uncovered the motive behind the attack. Las Vegas police Capt. Esmerelda Boveda stated that the shooter’s intentions remained undetermined. A thorough investigation is ongoing, with authorities expected to release more information during a formal briefing within 72 hours.
LVMPD Undersheriff Andrew Walsh confirmed that officers arrived quickly after receiving calls about an active shooter inside the building. “Officers responded to the Las Vegas Athletic Club after a report of a person with a weapon shooting inside the gym,” he said in a statement Friday night.
The Las Vegas Athletic Club issued a public statement expressing sympathy and support for the victims and their families. The club confirmed that its Northwest location would remain temporarily closed while cooperating with police efforts. “We are heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred at our Northwest club,” the statement read. “Our prayers are with the victims, their families, our members, and our team.”
Road Closures and Gym Shutdowns Impact the Local Community
As the investigation unfolded, the effects of the shooting extended beyond the crime scene. Along with the gym closure, road restrictions created temporary traffic disruptions in the surrounding neighborhoods. Law enforcement and the Regional Transportation Commission coordinated the closure of northbound and southbound traffic on Rainbow Boulevard from Lake Mead to Vegas Drive.
Local authorities have tried to reassure residents near the gym’s location that there is no further danger. Police emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident, and there was no evidence to suggest an ongoing threat in the area. Officials have asked those with information or video footage of the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. Investigators are working to piece together the timeline of the attack and gather details about the assailant’s background, motives, and how he obtained his weapon.
LVMPD Promises a Detailed Update in the Days Ahead
LVMPD announced that a formal and detailed briefing will be held within the next three days to provide the public with more information about the events that transpired. This update will likely cover details about the deceased victims, further information regarding the suspect, and the findings from the ongoing investigation.
As of Friday night, there were no updates about the identities of the victims or the shooter. Authorities said they were still notifying next of kin before releasing those names publicly. The condition of the most critically injured victim remained unclear by the end of the day Friday. The tragedy marks yet another instance of gun violence disrupting everyday life in an American city. For the affected victims and their families, the impact is immediate and life-altering. For the broader community, it serves as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of such violent events.
