A gunman opened fire at a Las Vegas Athletic Club, killing one person before police shot him, leaving locals to wonder why anyone would target a place where people focus on health and wellness.
At a Glance
- Two people died, including the shooter, after gunfire erupted at the Las Vegas Athletic Club on North Rainbow Boulevard
- At least three more individuals were injured, with one in critical condition at University Medical Center
- Police officers confronted and shot the suspect as he attempted to flee the gym
- Witnesses described chaotic evacuation scenes including seeing a deceased victim near exercise equipment
- This marks the third officer-involved shooting in Las Vegas in 2025
Another Public Space Turned Violent
The Las Vegas Athletic Club on the city’s west side became the scene of yet another senseless act of violence on May 16, 2025. Located in the 1700 block of North Rainbow Boulevard, the normally peaceful fitness center erupted into chaos when an unidentified shooter entered the facility and opened fire on unsuspecting gym-goers. The incident left one victim dead inside the gym, while the shooter later succumbed to injuries at a local hospital after being shot by responding officers. Multiple others were injured, continuing the disturbing pattern of violence in places where Americans should feel safe.
When officers arrived at the scene, they quickly identified the armed suspect attempting to leave the building. “Officers identified a suspect standing at the door armed with the firearm. The suspect ran out the door and officers discharged their firearms, striking him,” police officials stated in their report. The swift police response potentially prevented additional casualties, though for those already wounded, the damage was done. This incident has been confirmed as the third officer-involved shooting in Las Vegas this year alone.
New eyewitness video Channel 13 obtained shows the moments when the suspect in the fatal northwest gym shooting was shot dead by police on Friday. @joemoeller reports. Two people, including a victim and the suspect, are dead with multiple injured.https://t.co/tcdJNVM1r2 pic.twitter.com/h9cV7x4eDR
— KTNV | Channel 13 News Las Vegas (@KTNV) May 17, 2025
Witnesses Describe Terrifying Scene
Gym member Claudio Vigani recounted the horrifying moments when he realized something was terribly wrong. “They said ‘Get out, get out, get out,'” Vigani told reporters, describing the urgent evacuation orders. “Then I saw the dead guy next to the machine.” His firsthand account paints a vivid picture of the terror that unfolded inside what should have been a safe space for health and fitness. The gym, typically filled with the sounds of exercise and conversation, was suddenly transformed into a scene of panic and fear.
“It’s just a weird feeling right now. It’s strange. Who shoots up a gym?” said Gary Steward, who narrowly avoided being caught in the violence.
Steward’s life was possibly saved by a seemingly mundane decision to stop at a nutrition store before heading to the gym. “As we’re walking up, bullets started coming through and people started flying out,” he explained. His story highlights how split-second decisions and timing can mean the difference between life and death in these increasingly common active shooter situations. A heavy police presence quickly developed along North Rainbow Boulevard as SWAT teams worked to secure the building and ensure no further threats remained.
Aftermath and Investigation
The Las Vegas Athletic Club has temporarily closed its doors to support the ongoing police investigation. In a statement released shortly after the incident, the fitness center expressed its grief: “We are heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred today at our Northwest clubđź’”. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, our members and our team.” Meanwhile, the University Medical Center received four patients from the shooting, with one reported to be in critical condition as medical teams worked to save lives.
The motive behind this violent attack remains unclear as investigators continue to piece together what happened. Law enforcement officials have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, but many questions remain unanswered. Why was this specific location targeted? Was the shooter connected to the gym or any of its members? What could have been done to prevent such a tragedy? As our society continues to grapple with the reality of public violence, these questions become increasingly urgent for all Americans concerned about safety in everyday places.
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