Armed good guys stop evil — New details from Reno casino shooting

By Brittany Sheehan  

Nevada News and Views

We told you Monday about the shooting at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno. Now we have more details that show exactly why we need strong law enforcement and armed security.

The shooter has been identified as Dakota Hawver, a 26-year-old from Reno. He fired around 80 rounds from a 9mm handgun using multiple magazines. Police say Hawver has no criminal history and no mental health issues on record. He legally bought the gun two years ago but recently purchased the ammunition.

The victims were good people who didn’t deserve this. Two men from Southern California — Justin Aguila and Andrew Canepa, both 33 — were in town for a bachelor party. They were shot from behind while waiting for a ride to the airport. The third victim was Angel Martinez, 66, a local Reno man who was driving through the parking lot when Hawver ambushed him.

How the System Worked Perfectly

Here’s what conservatives need to know. This could have been so much worse. But three things stopped a bigger tragedy.

First, police arrived in just 2½ minutes after getting the call. That’s lightning fast. When seconds count, these officers were there in minutes.

Second, the casino had armed security. When Hawver fled after the first shooting, a resort security guard confronted him and returned fire. That’s exactly what we want — good guys with guns stopping bad guys with guns.

Third, when Hawver shot at police officers and hit their patrol car, multiple officers fired back and stopped him. They put themselves in danger to protect innocent people.

As one law enforcement official said: “The bravery and rapid response by our officers stopped the suspect’s rampage on innocent victims, which definitely saved lives and prevented additional people from being victimized”.

What We Learned About the Attack

Police say Hawver was seen pacing the parking lot for about 45 minutes before the shooting. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment thing. He planned this evil act.

When he got to the valet area, his gun jammed at first. But he got it working and shot five people in the group. Two died at the scene. Then he ran through the parking lot and killed Martinez.

The whole thing shows this was a coward attacking innocent people. Police say there’s no connection between Hawver and any of his victims. This was random violence against good people.

Why This Matters to Law and Order Conservatives

This shooting proves several important points that conservatives have been making for years.

Armed security works. The Grand Sierra Resort had armed guards who fought back. That’s exactly what we need more of — not gun-free zones that leave people defenseless.

Police response matters. These officers got there fast and did their job. They didn’t hesitate to use deadly force when a criminal was shooting at them and innocent people.

Quick action saves lives. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said the swift action “stopped the suspect from going into the casino-hotel to continue the rampage”. Imagine how many more people could have died if he got inside.

Six officers involved in the shooting are now on administrative leave, which is standard policy. They’ve been given support resources for them and their families. That’s how we should treat our heroes.

What the Left Is Still Getting Wrong

Even with all this proof that good guys with guns work, some politicians still don’t get it.

Reno City Council Member Devon Reese posted on social media about “the epidemic of gun violence gripping this nation”. Notice how he blames “gun violence” instead of the violent criminal who chose to hurt people.

The problem wasn’t guns. The problem was one evil person who decided to commit murder. The solution wasn’t more gun laws. The solution was armed good guys who stopped him.

Nevada already has plenty of gun laws. Hawver legally purchased his firearm two years ago. He followed the law when he bought it. Then he chose to break the ultimate law — don’t murder innocent people.

The Human Cost

We can’t forget the real victims here. Canepa was a restaurant co-owner and father of a young son. Aguila and Canepa should be celebrating their friend’s upcoming wedding. Martinez was just driving through a parking lot.

Three families are destroyed because one person chose evil. GoFundMe pages have been set up for the families of Andrew Canepa and Angel Martinez. That’s how Americans help each other in tough times.

A public multi-faith candlelight vigil is scheduled for Wednesday at Unity Center of Reno. The community is coming together to grieve and heal.

What Happens Next

Hawver remains in critical condition at the hospital. When he recovers, he’ll face murder charges. Nevada has the death penalty, and this case seems perfect for it.

The investigation continues. But we already know the most important facts. A bad guy with a gun tried to kill innocent people. Good guys with guns stopped him.

What Conservatives Should Do

First, support our police and security officers. They risked their lives to protect strangers. That deserves our respect and gratitude.

Second, push back when politicians try to blame guns instead of criminals. The Grand Sierra Resort shooting shows that armed security and fast police response save lives.

Third, support businesses that have armed security. The Grand Sierra Resort’s security team helped stop this attack. That’s the kind of place law-abiding citizens should support.

Finally, stay alert but don’t live in fear. Bad things can happen anywhere. But they’re still rare. And when they do happen, there are good people ready to fight back.

This tragedy could have been much worse. Thanks to brave officers and security guards, it wasn’t. That’s a lesson worth remembering when politicians try to defund police or create more gun-free zones.

The system worked. Good triumphed over evil. That’s the real story from Reno.

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Brittany Sheehan is a Las Vegas-based mother, policy advocate and grassroots leader. She is active in local politics, successful in campaign work and passionate about liberty.