Police from several states are seeking the public’s help to identify the suspects who launched a series of coordinated bomb threats across a total of eight tribal casinos in Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, and Idaho.
Casinos receive Bomb Threats
The casinos in the four states received what is believed to be a coordinated series of bomb threats. The calls reportedly arrived almost simultaneously at several locations in the US, separated by thousands of miles, in some cases.
However, it seems that Oklahoma casinos were the main target, as five properties received the threatening message. These included the Downstream Casino Resort, Comanche Nation Casino, Red River Casino, Kiowa Casino, and Chickasaw Casino. The other three tribal casinos that received threats were the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Texas, the Clearwater River Casino & Lodge in Idaho, and the Island Resort & Casino in Michigan.
With the threat of a bombing looming, many of the casinos have naturally strengthened their security measures. The Quapaw Nation Marshal Service said it is stationing additional officers at the Downstream Casino Resort as a precautionary measure. While Investigators said they do not believe there is an active threat, they will maintain an increased law enforcement presence at the property just in case.
Police Are Looking for Suspects
Considering the wide scale and seeming coordination of the threat attack, Law enforcement agencies are taking the matter seriously. They are asking the public to help identify whoever is responsible for what investigators believe was a hoax targeting tribal casinos. It is still unclear whether the FBI is involved in the investigation. However, considering the scale of the attack, it seems likely it will also work with local police agencies. The FBI often assists in cases involving suspected interstate crimes, threats against tribal lands, or potential acts of terrorism.
At the state level, bomb threat convictions are generally felony offenses, with penalties varying by jurisdiction. Some states impose prison sentences ranging from three to 20 years. Florida and Massachusetts are among those with the most severe sentencing guidelines. A felony conviction also becomes part of a person’s permanent criminal record.
However, making a bomb threat is also a federal crime, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If the threat results in bodily injury or death, the penalties can increase significantly, including the possibility of life imprisonment.
This isn’t the first time casinos have received bomb threats, and tribal casinos aren’t the only target. Earlier this year, for example, the Park West Bicycle Casino and Hotel in Bell Gardens, Los Angeles, received a threat that resulted in the venue being evacuated, after the caller demanded $50,000.