Date of Posting: June 28, 2026, 08:10h.
Last Updated: June 28, 2026, 08:10h.
- A 33-year-old man from Virginia was tragically killed in what authorities believe was a road rage incident in the parking garage of MGM National Harbor.
- Law enforcement indicates that the suspected shooter subsequently contacted 911 and surrendered to the police.
- This incident marks the latest act of violence at MGM National Harbor, raising significant public safety concerns in Prince George’s County, despite decreasing crime rates in Washington, DC.
In Washington, DC, crime statistics reveal a notable drop, with a 39% reduction in homicides, 20% fewer robberies, and a 25% decrease in property crimes. However, just a few miles from the capital, violent offenses, including homicides, persist as a critical issue.
Last Thursday, police responded to reports of a single-car accident near the MGM National Harbor parking garage in Oxon Hill, Md. Officers from the Prince George’s Police Department (PGPD) discovered 33-year-old Christopher Austin Jr. from Alexandria, Va., around 11:10 pm in a three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot.
Upon arrival, authorities found that Austin had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect Surrenders
The PGPD’s initial investigation revealed that an altercation had erupted between Austin and 36-year-old Tyrell Harrison from Accokeek, Md., inside the MGM parking structure.
According to police reports, the suspect instigated a confrontation with the victim. Harrison exited his vehicle, approached Austin in the Slingshot, and opened fire. Subsequently, Austin fled the scene but crashed shortly thereafter,” the police statement detailed.
About 20 minutes post-incident, Harrison reportedly called 911, voluntarily surrendering to the authorities. He is currently being held at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections.
There is currently no indication that Harrison and Austin were previously acquainted, and the shooting appears to stem solely from a road rage incident as they exited the MGM parking garage located beneath the casino and hotel.
Harrison is expected to face charges on Monday.
Crime Concerns at MGM National Harbor
The $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor lies a mere seven air miles from the White House, yet it faces a stark contrast in crime and safety levels. Although enhanced security measures have led to a decrease in crime rates within DC, neighboring areas across the Potomac are still grappling with significant crime challenges.
Prince George’s County has long been noted for having one of the highest rates of violent crime in Maryland, a situation attributed to historical segregation and concentrated economic hardships.
Maryland authorities expected MGM National Harbor to stimulate local job growth and tax revenues, which it has achieved, yet the casino has not adequately addressed the ongoing crime issues within the county.
In December of last year, a 23-year-old resident of DC was fatally shot at the MGM National Harbor food court, known as the National Market, in front of numerous witnesses. Law enforcement later confirmed that it was a targeted attack, committed by a 22-year-old from Fort Washington.
Earlier in May 2024, a 28-year-old man without a permanent address was arrested for the murder of a 37-year-old man from Washington, D.C., that occurred inside the MGM parking garage. Investigators concluded that the two men had no prior relationship, and the shooting was linked to road rage.