Targeted Maryland Casino Shooting Leaves One Customer Dead

A shooting at a Maryland casino on Wednesday left one person dead.

Police shared that the shooting at MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino in Prince George’s County occurred just before noon. The incident unfolded in a "targeted" attack in the food court of the casino.

The initial reports were that a bullet had grazed a second victim, although updated information showed there was only one victim.

Suspect at large

County police officers responded to the call in Oxon Hill around 11:55 a.m. ET on Wednesday. 

According to Prince George's County Police Chief George Nader, the shooter chased down a man, believed to be in his early 20s, while he was picking up food.

“The victim was ordering food, the suspect appeared and immediately began shooting at the victim,” said Chief Nader.

The assailant was seen on video fleeing the scene. Police are still actively attempting to locate them.

Several nearby schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution, although Chief Nader said there was no imminent threat to anyone at those schools or in the surrounding community. 

The casino’s gaming floor remained open for customers despite the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.

Shooting “would have” happened anywhere

MGM National Harbor is a $1.4 billion facility adjacent to the Potomac River, separated from Virginia only by a short bridge, and about seven miles from Washington D.C.

According to WTOP News, the investigation at the casino caused delays along several Metrobus routes running near the property.

The only portion of the casino that is closed is the food court. 

Nader said that the incident was unexpected based on declining crime rates in the area.

“It’s rare that instances like this occur,” he said while sharing that violent crime was down 32 percent in the region. 

“MGM is safe,” Nader added. “The harbor is safe. This was a targeted incident. We believe that it would have folded out anywhere once these two individuals came into the same area.”

The MGM is known for attracting customers in northern Virginia and D.C., along with Maryland residents, due to the thin casino presence in the area.