- Hoax bomb threat forces evacuation of Comanche Nation Casino
- Police say multiple Oklahoma casinos targeted in recent threat wave
- Bomb-sniffing dogs used; FBI assisting tribal police investigation
The Comanche Nation Casino in Lawton, southwest Oklahoma, was evacuated Saturday afternoon as law enforcement investigated a bomb threat. An ensuing search of the property revealed the call was a hoax, but police said the incident appears to be part of a pattern of similar threats against casinos and public facilities across the region in recent days.
Comanche Nation Police Chief John Journeycake said that at least three other casinos in the area, including the tribe’s Red River Casino and Kiowa Casino, and a Chickasaw-operated property, were also targeted.
In each case, these threats turned out to be false. Journeycake said he believed the incidents were connected, adding that because the casinos are located on tribal land, the FBI was assisting with the investigation.
Systematic Search
At the Comanche Nation Casino, the bomb threat was received just before noon, and law enforcement moved quickly to secure and evacuate, clearing patrons and staff from the gaming floor and restricting access to the property, according to local media reports.
Police vehicles blocked entrances to the casino while officers conducted a systematic search of the building and surrounding areas, The Lawton Constitution reported. Traffic on nearby roads was reduced during the response, with lanes closed and vehicles diverted as a safety precaution.
Officers with bomb-sniffing dogs conducted walk-throughs of the casino interior as well as exterior checks before giving the all-clear. The casino reopened shortly afterward.
Police said they treated the incident with an abundance of caution because of the large volume of foot traffic at the property. While it does not have a hotel attached, the Comanche Nation Casino is one of the larger tribal gaming venues in southwest Oklahoma, with a 36,000 square-foot casino floor and 600 to 700 gaming machines. The property also includes dining venues and a brewery, making it a significant entertainment destination in the region.
Hospitals Targeted
Beyond casinos, there has been a wave of hoax threats reported at public facilities throughout Oklahoma, including hospitals and government buildings.
These include the Duncan Regional Hospital, about a half hour’s drive from the Comanche Nation Casino. On Wednesday morning, it received its second bomb threat in four days, KSWO reported. Police have not said whether they suspect these cases are linked.
Law enforcement agencies have warned that false threats can strain emergency resources and carry serious criminal penalties. Under Oklahoma law, making a false bomb threat can be charged as a felony, punishable by prison time and fines.
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