Published on: December 5, 2025, 08:32h.
Updated on: December 5, 2025, 08:33h.
- A suspect has been arrested in the December 3 shooting incident at MGM National Harbor
- The shooting resulted in one fatality
- Authorities believe the victim and suspect were acquaintances
A 22-year-old man has been detained in connection with the MGM National Harbor shooting, and he faces potential life imprisonment if convicted of the first and second-degree murder charges. His expression of being “blessed,” suggested by his prominent neck tattoo, may now be ironic.
The Homicide Unit of the Prince George’s County Police Department has identified Benjamin Williams from Fort Washington as the suspected shooter.
Authorities state that the extensive surveillance system at the casino documented Williams’ entry onto the property just before noon on December 3. Footage shows him surveying the food court prior to approaching 23-year-old Darnell Hawkins Jr. from Washington, DC, who was waiting in line.
Reports indicate that Williams approached Hawkins in the National Market and shot him multiple times from close range, without any preceding conflict. Hawkins succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the shooting, Williams left in the vehicle he arrived in. Law enforcement quickly classified the incident as targeted and isolated, with Police Chief George Nader asserting, “The casino remains secure. The Harbor is safe.”
Suspect Located
Thanks to the casino’s security measures, authorities identified Williams and apprehended him approximately 14 hours later at a residence in College Park, without incident, based on an arrest warrant.
Williams is currently held with no bail at the PGC Department of Corrections in Upper Marlboro. Investigators suspect a prior relationship between Williams and Hawkins, but the motive behind the shooting is still unclear. Those with information are urged to contact 301-516-2512. Anonymous tips are welcome at www.pgcrimesolvers.com.
MGM National Harbor stands as one of the most lucrative casinos outside Las Vegas, boasting gross gaming revenue exceeding $685.8 million through October 2025.
Law enforcement officials affirm that the MGM National Harbor shooting is an anomaly amidst a regional reduction in violent crime.
“We have not experienced incidents of this nature at the National Harbor. Violent crime has decreased by about 32% this year,” remarked Nader. “Such events are infrequent.”
Regarding the security measures at MGM, Nader stressed that the resort is well-protected. While security personnel do conduct weapon checks on the casino floor, he pointed out that visitors to shopping malls do not undergo such security checks either, hinting at the inherent risks associated with public spaces.
Irony of the ‘Blessed’ Tattoo
Numerous followers on the Prince George’s County Police Department’s X account noted the irony surrounding Williams’ neck tattoo, which features a recycling logo alongside the term “blessed.”
One comment succinctly expressed, “It seems the whole ‘blessed’ notion didn’t pan out.”
Williams has been appointed a public defender. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 2 for a preliminary hearing. He is described as 6’1″ tall, weighing 170 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, identifying as Black.
The address linked to Williams is Sunfield Terrace in Fort Washington.