3 days ago
Deadly Las Vegas Strip shooting incites question of safety, experts respond
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – A deadly shooting in front of the Bellagio fountains has incited questions of safety on the Las Vegas Strip; however, new crime statistics and police experts are answering security concerns.
On Sunday, police responded within seconds to a deadly shooting in the heart of the tourist corridor. The alleged gunman, who is accused of killing two people livestreaming on YouTube, appeared in court and is claiming self-defense.
The deadly shooting became a topic of concern for online commenters, asking about the safety of the Strip. A new Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department statistical activity report for the Convention Center Area Command, which patrols the Strip, shows most criminal activity is down compared to this time last year.
LVMPD statistical activity report, compared year-to-date*
Reports of trespass of real property: -38.2%
Reports of disorderly conduct: -51.2%
Reports of assault offenses: – 12.9%
Reports of destruction/damage/vandalism of property: -26.7%
Reports of stolen property offenses: -43.3%
*LVMPD report from June 8, 2025
The decrease in reports of criminal acts on the Strip are promising according to police experts like Ted Snodgrass, a retired LVMPD lieutenant, but he said it might be indicative of another factor—visitation.
'A 15% decrease is a significant decrease, depending on your numbers,' Snodgrass said. 'But if you're also having a decrease in visitor volume, then that may be part of the reason for it, too.'
Las Vegas has experienced a decrease in overall visitor volume, according to some reports, but Snodgrass said he also looks at the lack of a Super Bowl this year.
'There was a rebound from COVID, people starting to come and know about Vegas again,' he said.
The decrease can be attributed to police work, increase in technology, and law enforcement omnipresence, according to Snodgrass.
'You have all that together with it, just a whole number of video cameras, foot patrol, security assistance,' he said. 'It's pretty daunting when you think about it.'
As for the deadly shooting on Sunday, Snodgrass said, based on some speculation and facts from the case, the incident appears to have been isolated and could have happened anywhere.
'Seeing homicides are rare occurrence down here,' he said. 'That's why we're out here talking about it, because that before this for the year, they were zero.'
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