The Las Vegas was put on edge after the Metropolitan Police, alongside SWAT teams, responded to a shooting incident near the Las Vegas Strip, FOX5 Vegas reported.
The event unfolded early Sunday morning, with witnesses reporting hearing gunfire near the MGM Signature Towers.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department issued an alert, closing Harmon Avenue between Las Vegas Boulevard and Koval Lane around 7:30 a.m. Despite the alarming reports, there have been no injuries reported so far.
Harmon Ave. is closed between Las Vegas Blvd. and Koval Lane as officers investigate reports of a shooting. There are no reported injuries at this time.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 31, 2023
Witnesses have described hearing reportedly 30 to 40 shots, potentially fired from a balcony within the towers.
In response, SWAT teams and other agencies have secured the area, initiating lockdown procedures and commencing evacuations for those inside the building.
#BREAKING: Heavy Police Presence after Reports of numerous shots fired from a MGM Signature Towers balcony
⁰#Lasvegas | #NevadaCurrently, a substantial law enforcement presence surrounds the MGM Signature Towers in response to reports of multiple gunshots, potentially… pic.twitter.com/pA2ln5zUU6
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 31, 2023
The incident has caused considerable disruption and concern, with social media users sharing firsthand accounts of the ongoing situation.
One witness, Theron Chow, reported an “Active Shooter at Signature at MGM Grand,” while another from a nearby location stated, “I’m watching outside my window… It’s being monitored for an active shooter barricaded inside.”
Robyn Burton, a guest at the MGM Grand, shared her distressing experience, “ACTIVE SHOOTER at my hotel… our friend was rushed into a secure room by SWAT… Pray for us please. Update: shooter on the 25/26 floor, we’re on the 16th floor.”
The police are urging the public to avoid the area for their safety and to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
Update: shooting occurred in 100 block of E. Harmon. Officers are still actively working the scene. Harmon Lane will remain closed.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 31, 2023
UPDATE: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) investigators have named Jon Letzkus, 45, as a person of interest in connection with this morning’s shooting incident in Las Vegas. Currently, Letzkus’s whereabouts are unknown.
“LVMPD investigators have identified Jon Letzkus, 45, as a person of interest in this morning’s shooting in the 100 block of E. Harmon in Las Vegas. His whereabouts are currently unknown. We are asking anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately,” the police department announced.
#BREAKING
LVMPD investigators have identified Jon Letzkus, 45, as a person of interest in this morning’s shooting in the 100 block of E. Harmon in Las Vegas. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
We are asking anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately. https://t.co/jryLiWSN0g pic.twitter.com/jOXn4gAO9S— LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 31, 2023
In another update, LVMPD wrote, “UPDATE: Letzkus was taken into custody moments ago. There is currently NO further public safety threat.”
UPDATE: Letzkus was taken into custody moments ago.
There is currently NO further public safety threat. https://t.co/Z02xEyseFF— LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 31, 2023
This story has been updated with additional information.