Summary
- The fireworks caused a rush exit of the facility as patrons feared a shooter was on-site.
- Reports indicate that the fireworks were a diversion for theft of chips.
- Patrons were terrified as they tried to exit the property once the popping sounds started.
When visiting a casino, patrons expect a fun evening of gaming, dining, and drinks; not a mad dash to exit the building because of loud explosions. That is exactly what happened in Maryland at the MGM National Harbor over the weekend, when patrons began rushing out after hearing an explosive like sound. Some thought the sound was gunfire and felt at risk while trying to leave the venue.
Details of the Incident
As soon as the noises began at the casino, patrons started leaving the scene. There was no announcement or time to react. Once the noise started, visitors began rushing outside in fear of an active shooter or bomb situation. Rumors were swirling as everyone tried to get out of the casino a quickly as possible.
It would quickly be discovered that the sound was actually fireworks being set off at MGM National Harbor. Prince George County police confirmed that issue was fireworks that caused the uproar and mass exit from the casino. While patrons were happy it was not a shooter situation, it was then revealed that the fireworks might have been a diversion for theft.
An investigation is ongoing on the matter with police having acknowledged that a robbery took place as part of the incident. However, they are not reporting as to what was taken. In some news reports, it says that chips were removed from the casino. The actual items taken remain a mystery, but we can assume that the casino will provide a report at some point later this week.
Fearful of Gun Fire
While the incident does not appear to involve any type of shooting, the thought did cross the mind of visitors involved in the casino exit. The MGM National Harbor has been subject to a shooting in the past. Back in 2020, two gunmen were able to sneak a rifle into the casino and shoot a man twice in the hotel hallway before robbing him.
Nathaniel Nagbe was staying at the casino in August 2020 when he won big while playing blackjack. He wanted to celebrate with a party in his hotel room after winning $60,000. He was eventually attacked by two men holding an AR-15 shot in the back while the men took his prize money.
The victim had been tricked by a woman he invited up to his hotel room as she brought the men with her to rob Nagbe. The incident caused patrons as well as Nagbe’s attorney to question the effectiveness of the security at the MGM Resort.
Of course, the incident also probably crossed the minds of those at the casino this weekend once the loud noises started. It will be interesting to see if police are able to determine who set off the fireworks
About the Author
