Tribal casino properties in at least three states across more than 1,600 miles were the subject of threats or reports of violence Sunday afternoon, prompting law-enforcement responses in at least two cases, and public reassurances. At the time of this writing, there is no confirmed public evidence the incidents are connected or that any of the threats that have been confirmed are credible.
In northeast Oklahoma, Quapaw Nation marshals responded to a threat of violence received by Downstream Casino Resort. According to KOAM News Now and the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service, investigators do not believe there is an active threat but will maintain an increased law enforcement presence at the property as a precaution to ensure public safety.
Marshals also noted similar threats appear to have been made at other tribal casinos across Oklahoma.
At approximately the same hour in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, law enforcement responded to Island Resort & Casino following a reported threat of “explosives and weapons,” per WBUP-TV’s MyUpNow.com. Reports say the call claimed a vehicle was on the property with explosives and guns inside. WLUC-TV reported the Hannahville Tribal Police Department’s chief saying no evidence of a credible threat had been found, but the search was continuing.
An all-clear was issued at 8:30 pm EDT at Island Resort & Casino.
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in south Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, the site of a deadly shooting last year that killed two, was the subject of online reports of a possible active shooter Sunday, according to KABB-TV Fox San Antonio. The reports prompted a Facebook response by the casino assuring the public the rumors were false.
No known information connects any of these incidents, nor is there any indication the Texas property received a direct threat.
This is a breaking story. CDC Gaming will update it as more information becomes available.
