Daniel Ortega, a 34-year-old gym member with a criminal past, planned a full-scale massacre in a disturbing Las Vegas gym shooting, but it was stopped by prompt police action and a malfunctioning firearm. Longtime employee Edgar Quinonez was killed, and three others were injured in the tragedy, which once again brought to light the violence that regular Americans must deal with. Meanwhile, rather than tackling mental health and crime, Democrats are still working to limit Second Amendment rights.
Las Vegas Shooting Prevented From Becoming Mass Casualty Event
Daniel Ortega entered the Las Vegas Athletic Club with a rifle on Friday afternoon, approaching the front desk before opening fire. The 34-year-old gym member fired 24 rounds inside the facility, killing Edgar Quinonez, a 31-year-old employee who had dedicated 15 years of service to the gym.
NEW: Vegas cops fatally sh**t gym member who attempted a mass k*lling before his weapon jammed
Daniel Ortega, 34, entered the Las Vegas Athletic Club armed with a rifle
Surveillance footage captured him speaking briefly to staff before opening fire in the lobby
He fired 24… pic.twitter.com/AaeGI0HtaO
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) May 21, 2025
Assistant Sheriff Jamie Prosser confirmed that Ortega’s weapon malfunctioned during the shooting, preventing what could have been a far deadlier attack. “Fortunately, this gentleman had a malfunction in his weapon, which saved this from being a mass casualty event,” Prosser said, noting Ortega had additional ammunition and magazines when he was stopped.
Law Enforcement Response Crucial in Stopping Attack
Officers arrived within minutes after receiving multiple 911 calls, demonstrating the vital role of armed response in active shooter situations. Ortega was shot six times by police as he exited the building following his shooting spree, ultimately succumbing to his wounds at a nearby hospital.
Video shows Daniel Ortega walking into the gym with a rifle before killing an employee. Metro says they believe he intended to harm more people but that his gun jammed. https://t.co/ouRdOsAJc8 pic.twitter.com/J3xxjEwmG0
— David Charns (@davidcharns) May 19, 2025
The rapid police response showcased the importance of well-trained law enforcement in protecting communities from armed threats. Three additional people were injured during the incident, with one reportedly in critical condition, highlighting the devastating consequences when violence erupts in public spaces.
Shooter’s Criminal History Raises Questions
Ortega’s prior criminal record included a DUI charge and a drug trafficking charge from 2013, raising questions about how he was able to obtain a firearm. Authorities have found no connection between Quinonez and Ortega, suggesting this was a random attack rather than a targeted confrontation.
“The suspect followed the employee deeper into the business and continued to fire rounds,” Assistant Sheriff Prosser explained during a press conference. “When officers arrived, he had not been shooting. Had he been, they would have pushed through those doors and engaged him,” demonstrating officers’ readiness to confront the threat directly.
If Ortega had survived, he would have faced multiple serious charges, including murder and attempted murder. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine what drove Ortega to commit such a violent act in a public setting.
Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/police-identify-victim-gunman-las-vegas-gym-shooting-rcna207861