Published on: October 1, 2024, 11:35h.

Last updated on: October 1, 2024, 11:58h.

Authorities at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa discovered two suspicious devices within hours of each other this week. The Florida gaming property had to be evacuated twice as a precaution.

The first device was discovered before midnight on Sunday, while the second device was found around noon on Monday.

The Seminole, Fla. Police Department described the first device as a “crude concealed device with fireworks components,” which was located in a restroom.

This led to a partial evacuation of the casino, as reported by Florida TV station WFLA. The device was deactivated by the police.

The casino reopened approximately three hours later, allowing guests to return.

The second device was found in another restroom, prompting another evacuation. After deactivation, guests were once again allowed back into the property.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported from either device.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Bomb Disposal Team assisted in deactivating and removing the devices from the property.

FBI Called In

Local authorities have enlisted the help of the FBI in the investigation. Surveillance footage is also being reviewed to identify the suspect.

As of early this week, no arrests have been made, and the casino remains open.

The motive behind placing the devices in the restrooms remains unclear.

Rivers Casino Des Plaines Robbery

Early on Monday, four robbers stole two necklaces from victims outside Rivers Casino Des Plaines in Illinois.

The masked thieves brandished at least one firearm and aimed it at two of the victims.

The victims had just left the casino around 1:45 a.m. and were returning to a parked Jeep.

Among the victims were a 38-year-old woman from Palatine, Ill., and her 40-year-old husband.

Upon reaching the vehicle, the woman noticed an individual inside her Jeep Grand Cherokee. Another suspect was outside the vehicle, while two others were in a nearby Volvo.

During the incident, the robbers pulled out a gun and threatened two of the victims, but fortunately, no shots were fired.

The husband had his silver necklace taken, and then the robbers snatched a necklace from a 28-year-old man from Vernon Hills, Ill. The description of the fourth victim was not provided.

The robbers fled the scene in the Volvo, leaving the Jeep behind.