A security officer at Las Vegas’ Turnberry Towers, an apartment complex near the Las Vegas Strip, thwarted what could have been a devastating mass shooting. The events unfolded on June 23, 2023, when a man identified as Andrew Warrender, 32, walked into the condominium complex armed with an AR-15 rifle. Surprisingly, this harrowing incident received minimal media coverage, sparking discussions about how our society perceives and represents firearm-related interventions.
A review of video surveillance footage showed Warrender arrived at the Turnberry Towers around 2:13 p.m., and over the course of nearly an hour, was captured on camera walking down the stairs from the 36th floor, wearing a motorcycle helmet and carrying a rifle. At 3:09 p.m., he exited the building, only to reenter through the main door of the lobby. An interaction with a valet driver followed, who, sensing something was off, notified the security staff of Warrender’s behavior.
By 3:13 p.m., Warrender walked towards the main lobby, where he quickly pointed his rifle at a security guard and fired a shot. The security guard narrowly avoided injury by ducking down behind the front desk. Warrender tried to fire another shot, but his rifle malfunctioned.
When Warrender entered the lobby, another security guard, believing Warrender was about to open fire, made a quick decision to escape. He navigated through the front office, heard the sound of a gunshot, and exited the building through a side door.
A security guard at Las Vegas' Turnberry Towers neutralizes a potential mass shooter, preventing what could've been a devastating tragedy. His quick actions saved countless lives. #USACarry #DGU #LetsTalkDGUhttps://t.co/9tA0ECQPSN pic.twitter.com/Kd6JxIKkCc
— USA Carry (@USACarry) July 5, 2023
This security guard then saw the suspect exiting the front door and fired 12-13 rounds from his handgun. Warrender. fell to the ground and the guard then held Warrender at gunpoint until the police arrived. This heroic act of intervention, driven by individual resolve and preparedness, prevented what could have been a calamitous mass shooting, thereby potentially saving countless lives. The security guard was asked not to carry a firearm while at work but he chose to do so on his own free will. He was carrying a Smith & Wesson handgun with an extra magazine. It makes you wonder what would have happened had he not been armed?
This incident offers a perfect example of how a “good guy with a gun” can make a difference. It is a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of the security guard, who, facing a dire situation, was able to take decisive action to protect innocent citizens. His actions showcase the potential for armed citizens and security personnel to avert mass shootings, and they challenge simplistic narratives that firearms are purely agents of harm.
Despite the gravity of the situation and its compelling narrative, the incident failed to gain the expected traction in national news media. The Heritage Foundation’s senior legal fellow, Amy Swearer, noted that similar incidents typically garner extensive media coverage, and questioned the lack of attention given to this event.
This minimal coverage in the face of an apparent mass shooting attempt raises questions about the narrative biases that might affect media outlets. One can’t help but wonder if the event might have been covered differently if the outcome had been tragic. This discrepancy underscores the need to examine not just the incidents where firearms cause harm, but also where they prevent it.
The motives and intentions of the shooter, Warrender, remain unclear. Yet the facts of the situation – a man walking into a public space, armed with a rifle, and opening fire – are indicative of a planned mass shooting.
In conclusion, while we await further clarity on Warrender’s motives, we can all breathe a sigh of relief that a potential mass shooting was averted. At the same time, we should reflect on the narrative choices made by media and how they shape our perceptions of events, especially those involving firearms.
Nice article! Thank you Mr. Holt.