What began as a routine workout ended in terror when a gunman stormed a Las Vegas Athletic Club on Friday. The attacker, 34-year-old Daniel Ortega, entered with a rifle and enough ammunition for mass murder—but a critical weapon malfunction likely saved dozens of lives before he was taken into custody.
Targeted Killing Leaves Community in Shock
Ortega, a member of the gym, arrived armed with a rifle and extra magazines. After pacing inside the facility, he engaged briefly with longtime gym employee Edgar Quinonez before opening fire. Quinonez, 31, who had worked there for 15 years, was shot and killed in the attack.
After killing Quinonez, Ortega fired 24 rounds, wounding three more individuals as he chased employees further inside the gym. Police say one of the victims remains in critical condition. What made Ortega choose this specific location remains unknown—investigators say there’s no confirmed personal link between the shooter and his victim.
Daniel Ortega went into the LVAC gym in Las Vegas armed with a rifle, fired 24 rounds, killing 1 and injuring several more.
His rifle reportedly jammed which caused him to stop his murder spree and he attempted to run on foot.
Attempted being the key word. This officer… pic.twitter.com/WxfiJpCQT6
— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) May 20, 2025
Police Respond Swiftly, Shooter Killed on Scene
Las Vegas Metro Police arrived within minutes of the 911 calls. Ortega was confronted outside the gym, where three officers fired six shots, taking him down. He later died from his injuries at a nearby hospital.
Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser emphasized that a mechanical failure in Ortega’s rifle may have saved lives. “This gentleman had a malfunction in his weapon, which actually saved this from being a mass casualty event,” Prosser explained during a press briefing.
Ortega was found with additional loaded magazines, raising fears he intended to continue the assault if not stopped.
Facts Dude Drop: CRAZY VIDEO SHOWS LAS VEGAS G*NMAN BOLTING OUT OF THE GYM DOOR GETTING SH*T BY POLICE
A Las Vegas Athletic Club turned into a war zone Friday when a gunman stormed the North Rainbow Boulevard gym, k*lling beloved employee Edgar Quinonez and wounding four… pic.twitter.com/RDBd1blbdS
— The Facts Dude (@The_Facts_Dude) May 17, 2025
Ortega’s Past and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say Ortega had a prior record, including a DUI and a 2013 drug trafficking charge—yet those cases ended in community service and dismissals. How he obtained the firearm remains under investigation.
The Las Vegas community now mourns the loss of a respected gym employee and asks why such a tragedy occurred. Police are combing through surveillance footage and witness accounts, seeking answers and clarity on Ortega’s motive. For now, the question of why this gym, and why this victim, remains unanswered.
What’s clear: if not for a weapon jam and a rapid police response, this could have been much worse.