Published on: February 1, 2026, at 10:45 AM.
Updated on: February 1, 2026, at 10:45 AM.
- False bomb threat leads to evacuation at Comanche Nation Casino
- Authorities confirm multiple Oklahoma casinos have received recent threats
- FBI and bomb detection teams assist in the investigation
The Comanche Nation Casino, located in Lawton, southwest Oklahoma, underwent an evacuation on Saturday afternoon in response to a bomb threat. Following thorough searches, it was confirmed that the threat was fabricated, though officials noted that this incident seems part of a series of similar threats made against various casinos and public facilities in the area in recent days.
According to Comanche Nation Police Chief John Journeycake, at least three additional casinos in the vicinity—such as the tribe’s Red River Casino and Kiowa Casino—along with a property managed by the Chickasaw Nation, also faced similar threats.
Each of these threats was deemed to be unfounded. Journeycake speculated that these incidents were interconnected and revealed that the FBI is involved in the investigation due to the casinos being situated on tribal land.
Comprehensive Search Operations
Law enforcement received the bomb threat just before noon at the Comanche Nation Casino, prompting an immediate evacuation and securement of the premises, directing patrons and employees off the gaming floor and restricting access, as reported by local news outlets.
Police vehicles were stationed at the casino entrances while officers conducted thorough searches of the facility and its surroundings, as stated by The Lawton Constitution. Traffic in nearby areas was moderated during the incident response, with certain lanes being closed and vehicles rerouted as a safety measure.
Officers with bomb detection dogs performed inspections within the casino and around the property, eventually declaring it safe for reopening shortly thereafter.
Authorities acted with heightened caution during the incident due to the large number of visitors. Though there is no attached hotel, the Comanche Nation Casino stands out as one of the major tribal gaming locations in southwest Oklahoma, featuring a 36,000 square-foot gaming floor with around 600 to 700 gaming machines, alongside dining options and a brewery, making it a key entertainment hub in the region.
Threats to Other Public Facilities
In addition to casino threats, there has been a troubling rise in hoax threats involving various public facilities across Oklahoma, including hospitals and governmental buildings.
For instance, Duncan Regional Hospital, located approximately thirty minutes from the Comanche Nation Casino, received its second bomb threat in four days on Wednesday morning, according to KSWO. Authorities have not confirmed if these threats are related.
Law enforcement agencies have cautioned that false threats can heavily strain emergency services and may lead to severe criminal charges. In Oklahoma, making a false bomb threat is classified as a felony, which may result in imprisonment and fines.