Shooter, victim identified in Elko Regional Airport shooting

SALT LAKE CITY — Police have released the identity of the two individuals involved in a deadly shooting on Monday at the Elko Regional Airport.

Police said officers were dispatched to the Elko Regional Airport after receiving reports of an active shooter. Police found a deceased man, later identified as 37-year-old Giovanni Perez, near the airline ticket counter.

Bystanders then pointed officers toward the restrooms, where the officers found a young boy, later identified as 11-year-old Callan Perez, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The boy later died from his injuries after being transported to the hospital.

According to police, the two were father and son, traveling together when their rental vehicle became disabled outside of Winnemucca, Nevada. They were towed to the Elko Regional Airport to obtain a second rental vehicle. 

Police said the two entered the airport restroom, left for an unknown reason, then returned to the restroom where Giovanni shot Callen. Giovanni then exited the restroom and shot himself near the ticket counter. 

Due to the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Elko Bomb Squad was deployed to ensure the vehicle was clear of explosives. No explosives were found at the scene.

Inbound and outbound flights were disrupted, with the airport scheduled to reopen Tuesday afternoon.

“The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing,” said Shane Daz, Operations Lt at the Elko Police Department. “The Elko Police Department would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of Callan Perez. No family should ever have to experience a loss like this.”

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Editor’s note: Elko police initially reported two people had died, however they later corrected their information to say only one person was killed while the other was taken to the hospital. However, the person taken to the hospital later died of their injuries.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 help and resources. (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.

These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services
• Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.