This week, two questionable devices were discovered within hours of one another at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. The Florida gaming venue was evacuated twice temporarily as a safety measure.
The initial device was discovered prior to midnight on Sunday. The second device was found around noon on Monday.
The initial device was detailed by the Seminole, Florida. Police Department described it as a “rough hidden apparatus containing fireworks elements.” It was found in a bathroom.
This resulted in a partial evacuation of the casino, as reported by Florida TV station WFLA. The device was deactivated by the police.
The casino reopened approximately three hours later, allowing guests to return inside.
The other device was found in a different restroom. It resulted in an evacuation, and following the device's deactivation, guests were permitted to return to the property.
Neither device caused any injuries.
The Bomb Disposal Team of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office aided in neutralizing and taking the devices off the premises.
FBI Involved
The local police have requested the FBI's help with the investigation. Officers furthermore examined surveillance footage to assist in recognizing the suspect.
As of early this week, no arrests have been made. The gaming facility is now accessible.
The reason for the suspect or suspects placing the devices in the restrooms remains unclear.
Robbery at Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Four robbers snatched two necklaces from victims outside Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois, early Monday.
The masked thieves drew at least one firearm and pointed it at a minimum of two of the victims.
The victims were inside the gaming facility and returned to a parked Jeep around 1:45 a.m.
One of the four victims was a 38-year-old female from Palatine, Illinois. Another was her spouse, aged 40.
As the woman neared her Jeep Grand Cherokee, she noticed someone inside it. One more suspect was outside the car, while two additional ones were inside a nearby Volvo.
During the event, the assailants brandished a firearm and menaced two of the victims. No gunfire occurred.
A silver necklace was torn away from the husband, and then the thieves took a necklace from a 28-year-old man from Vernon Hills, Ill. A fourth victim was not detailed.
The last sighting of the robbers was while they were fleeing the casino in the silver Volvo. They did not take the Jeep.