Gunfire erupts at WinStar Casino, claiming one life, perpetrator on the loose
The early hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025, saw a tragic incident at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. A shooting inside the casino complex resulted in the death of a man, and the suspect is currently at large.
According to the Love County Sheriff's Office, the shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. local time. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to their injuries. The authorities have limited details to release about the incident, as it is not their case, and the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department is leading the investigation.
The casino, owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation, one of the country's largest federally recognized tribes, is located on tribal land. As a sovereign nation, the Chickasaw Nation has the power to enforce law on its lands and federally designated territories. However, the federal government typically intervenes in cases of murder, as mentioned in the 1817 General Crimes Act and the Major Crimes Act of 1885, which make most violent crimes, including murder, manslaughter, rape, assault with intent to kill, arson, burglary, and larceny, federal crimes.
The Chickasaw Nation's Lighthorse Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward and contact law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information has been provided by the authorities.
The community has expressed their condolences for the victim, who was described as a friend, a brother, a family man, a great father, and an amazing basketball player. One commenter mentioned that the victim had children.
WinStar World Casino and Resort is a significant gaming destination in the US, boasting nine city-themed casinos offering over 400K square feet of gaming space, more than 10,000 slot machines, and 100 live-dealer table games. Despite the incident, the casino remains open, and the authorities assure the public that they are working diligently to apprehend the suspect and ensure the safety of all visitors.
[1] Love County Sheriff's Office post [2] Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department statement
- The tragic shooting incident at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma, on July 5, 2025, falls under the jurisdiction of the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department.
- The Chickasaw Nation's casino-and-gambling complex, WinStar World Casino and Resort, is located on tribal land, allowing the Chickasaw Nation to enforce laws within its borders.
- Despite being a sovereign nation, the Chickasaw Nation is bound by federal laws, particularly the 1817 General Crimes Act and the Major Crimes Act of 1885, which categorize murder as a federal crime.
- In light of the shooting incident, the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department is reaching out to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect.
- The community is mourning the loss of a beloved friend, brother, family man, fantastic father, and distinguished basketball player who was killed in the shooting at WinStar World Casino and Resort.
- Despite the ongoing investigation, WinStar World Casino and Resort remains open, assuring the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety of all visitors.
