Bachelor party attendees meet unfortunate fate in Reno casino shooting incident
In the early hours of August 2025, a mass shooting unfolded at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, leaving three people dead and three injured. The suspect in the shooting, Dakota Haver, a 26-year-old Reno resident, was shot and wounded by police and taken to the hospital.
The victims, Angel Martines (66 years old), Justin Aguila, and Andrew Canepa (both 23 years old), died as a result of the shooting. A driver was also shot and killed by Dakota Haver at the resort.
Initial investigations have ruled out any possible connection between the victims and the shooter. Investigators are still working on determining the motives behind the shooting.
Casino security responded to the incident promptly, and police arrived shortly after.
In the aftermath of the shooting, security experts and casino operators are discussing ways to improve safety measures.
Jonathan Alvarez, CEO of Protective Force International, which provides security at numerous casinos in Nevada, emphasized the importance of proactive threat identification. Security officers are trained to "challenge" individuals who may pose a threat early, aiming to prevent incidents by addressing threats at their source. This approach involves direct engagement with potentially dangerous individuals as a preventative measure, not necessarily confrontational but firm.
The partnership between private casino security and local law enforcement is critical in maintaining safety, effectively drawing "a line in the sand" to protect patrons and contain incidents quickly.
Regarding weapons policies, there is no uniform standard; policies on concealed firearms vary by property. Alvarez advised that visitors with concealed carry permits should consult with casino security to understand specific rules, reflecting an ongoing discussion about balancing safety with lawful carry rights.
The Grand Sierra Resort itself has responded with increased physical security measures, such as controlled access points and privacy screens around affected areas in the wake of the shooting. However, detailed new formal policies following the incident have not been publicly announced as of early August 2025.
Some experts have suggested removing concealed weaponry policies and forcing guests who carry weapons to leave or be banned from the property. However, the financial and political implications of such a change could be serious.
As authorities and casino operators continue to evaluate security gaps revealed by this tragedy, further proposals or legislative changes may develop in the coming months.
The Grand Sierra Resort, in light of the recent tragic mass shooting, is considering new security measures, such as controlled access points and privacy screens to enhance safety. Experts have proposed abolishing concealed weapon policies at casinos, but the potential financial and political implications could be significant, suggesting a need for further discussions and potential legislative changes.
