Published on: September 28, 2025, 09:42h.
Updated on: September 28, 2025, 09:43h.
- A shooting incident occurred at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in the early hours of Sunday
- Authorities are actively searching for the shooter
- Two individuals have lost their lives, with several others in critical condition
Late Saturday night, a brand new Mercedes E350 was awarded as part of the “Mercedes September to Remember” promotion at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel in Eagle Pass, TX. The festive atmosphere soon took a dark turn when a mass shooting erupted shortly after the giveaway.
Reports from local outlets indicate that the gunfire started just after midnight, around 12:15 am. According to Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantu, the incident took place in the parking lot, although witnesses claimed it initiated inside the casino. Social media captured images of gaming machines marked with bullet holes.
Authorities have confirmed that two people lost their lives, with at least seven others wounded. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second succumbed to injuries during transport to the hospital.
An NBC News affiliate reported that “at least two to four individuals” were airlifted in critical condition to hospitals in San Antonio. The Lucky Eagle Casino is located approximately 150 miles south of San Antonio in Eagle Pass, near the Texas-Mexico border. The casino hotel is owned by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
Busy Casino Promotion Ending in Tragedy
As the largest gaming venue in Texas, the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino features over 3,300 electronic bingo-style machines alongside traditional bingo and poker games.
Earlier that evening, a winner identified only as “A.C.” claimed the Mercedes-Benz E350. The promotional event began at 1 pm with a $2,500 cash prize. Lucky Rewards members could win $1,000 every hour from 2 pm to 9 pm, culminating in the car giveaway at 10:30 pm, followed by a $3,500 grand prize at 11:45 pm.
The excitement generated by the Mercedes and cash prizes had drawn an unusually large crowd to the Lucky Eagle Casino that night. By 6:30 am on Sunday, the shooter remained unapprehended, with reports suggesting the suspect fled in a black Nissan Frontier truck.
“I want to assure our community that all law enforcement agencies are collaborating closely with local, state, and federal partners to conduct an ongoing investigation into this incident,” stated Cantu. “Tribal police, Maverick County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Eagle Pass Police Department, Texas Rangers, Border Patrol, and the FBI are all working tirelessly to enhance community safety and bring justice to the responsible party.”
“How much longer will this continue? It’s time we unite to eliminate the senseless gun violence affecting our nation. Maverick County deserves safety, tranquility, and solidarity — and we will keep fighting for these values,” Cantu emphasized.
Violence Along the Border
Eagle Pass, the administrative hub of Maverick County, is a border town on the Rio Grande recognized for its military presence and as a vital entry point between the US and Mexico. Recent immigration issues have placed Eagle Pass in the spotlight, especially during the 2024 standoff between federal authorities and the State of Texas.
Despite facing various challenges, Eagle Pass is regarded as a relatively safe area. Statistical data indicates that crime and homicide rates are below the national average.