Another shooting has rocked our Las Vegas community. On Friday afternoon, a gunman walked into the Las Vegas Athletic Club on Rainbow Boulevard near Lake Mead and opened fire. When the smoke cleared, two people were dead and three others wounded. The gunman was killed by police.
What Happened
It was just a normal day at the gym. People were lifting weights, running on treadmills, and chatting with friends. Then, around 1:30 in the afternoon, everything changed.
A man armed with what witnesses described as a long gun entered the gym and started shooting. Edgar Quinonez, a beloved employee who had worked at LVAC for 15 years, was killed. Three others were hurt, with one in critical condition.
Las Vegas police showed up fast. When they got there, they saw the gunman at the door. He tried to run past officers, who then shot him. The suspect later died at the hospital.
Gary Steward, 20, and his friend Liam Johnson, 19, were heading to the gym when they stopped at a nutrition store first. “That saved our lives, basically,” Steward said. “If we hadn’t done that, we would have been right at the front desk where this shooter came in.”
Video shared with @8NewsNow shows the suspect in today’s LVAC shooting running from Las Vegas police before an officer shoots and kills him in the parking lot. https://t.co/h1WODphcSj pic.twitter.com/ckXVpW2ELt
— David Charns (@davidcharns) May 17, 2025
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This tragedy touches on several issues that conservatives care deeply about.
First, it shows how quickly local police responded to protect innocent lives. Officers arrived on scene within minutes and stopped the threat before more people could be hurt. This kind of swift action by law enforcement deserves our support and thanks.
Second, it raises questions about how the shooter got into the gym with a weapon and what security measures could have prevented this tragedy without expanding government control. Private businesses should be free to implement their own safety protocols, but with that freedom comes responsibility.
Third, the swift community response – including offers of help and prayers for victims – shows how Americans come together in times of crisis without waiting for government intervention. This is the heart of local community values that conservatives cherish.
What Critics Are Saying
Some are already using this tragedy to call for more gun restrictions. They argue that stricter laws could have prevented this shooting. Local police are still investigating how he obtained his weapon.
Others point out that more gun-free zones don’t stop criminals who, by definition, don’t follow the law. They suggest that allowing more law-abiding citizens to carry firearms might deter such attacks or stop them sooner.
Looking Forward
The investigation is ongoing. Police still haven’t released the shooter’s name or a clear motive. Captain Esmeralda Boveda of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said it was “too soon to determine a motive.”
The Las Vegas Athletic Club posted a touching tribute to Edgar Quinonez on social media.
Yesterday the LVAC family lost a dear friend and teammate, Edgar Quinonez. Edgar was a beloved part of the LVAC family for 15 years. We are praying for Edgar’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed. – Team LVAC pic.twitter.com/Lrv4QSs9bV
— Las Vegas Athletic Clubs (@lvac) May 17, 2025
Free counseling services are available for those affected by the shooting through the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada’s Resiliency & Justice Center.
What You Can Do
- Support local law enforcement with your words and votes. They put their lives on the line to protect our community.
- Check on your neighbors and friends who might have been affected. Community strength starts with personal connections.
- Consider what safety measures you believe in and support businesses that align with your values.
- Pray for the victims and their families. In times of tragedy, faith provides comfort and guidance that government programs never can.
- Stay informed about the facts of this case before jumping to conclusions about policy changes.
Remember that our community’s response to tragedy can strengthen the values we hold dear: personal responsibility, community support, and limited but effective government action when truly needed.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
