On Monday morning, a domestic violence shooting spree developed into a concerted mass shooting at a casino in Reno, Nevada. The attack has killed five people and injured at least 25 others. An armed assailant released a hail of gunfire in the crowded venue, sending terrified clubgoers fleeing for their lives. Local law enforcement were the first responders on the scene.
Police officers engaged the suspect within four to five minutes of the first sounds of gunfire being reported. Within a few minutes, they had tracked down the suspect engaged in an officer-involved shooting. In the wake of the clash, the gunman was arrested and later sent to a hospital for care.
At least 12 people were struck by gunfire, with four of them hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Furthermore, two crew members and one other passenger were injured in the disturbance. Caroline Ackerman, a spokesperson for Renown Regional Medical Center, confirmed that the hospital’s emergency department received several patients as a result of the shooting.
Reno’s mayor, Hillary Schieve, told reporters moments after the incident that it was fortunate that it wasn’t worse.
“It could have been much, much worse.” – Hillary Schieve
The phrase “active shooter” applies to those who shoot indiscriminately at multiple victims. This jarring truth lays bare the crisis of gun violence across our country. In this case, the speedy response by police helped avert more disaster.
In a statement, the authorities said they were still trying to determine the motives for the attack. They are working on getting a better sense of the conditions of the injured victims. The community is left in shock as they come to terms with this violent episode in a normally bustling venue.