EAGLE PASS, Texas (KABB) — Two people are dead and several others are injured after a shooting at the Lucky Eagle Casino on the Kickapoo reservation this weekend, according to law enforcement.
The Maverick County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the casino around 11:45 p.m. Saturday, assisting tribal police in securing the area and searching for the shooter. The suspect, who fled the scene in a black Nissan truck, was later taken into custody in Stockdale in Wilson County with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or gender, but they were located through vehicle tracking and apprehended after the use of a taser. A weapon was also located. They will be escorted back to Eagle Pass.
One of the victims, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman died while being rushed to the hospital, according to the Eagle Pass News Leader. Five others were airlifted in critical condition to San Antonio hospitals after being struck by gunfire.
The shooting happened during a raffle event that drew a large crowd to the casino. Witnesses told Fox SA’s Yami Virgin they heard gunshots, saw a person on the ground outside, and described chaos as people tried to escape. One bullet struck an entrance door and another hit a slot machine inside, witnesses said.
Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber said deputies, reservation police, and Texas Rangers continue to investigate. A press conference with collaborating agencies is expected, though details have not yet been announced.
Maverick County Judge Ramsey E. Cantu called the shooting a tragedy for the community.
“Our community has been shaken by the terrible news of the recent shooting that took place at the Kickapoo Casino parking lot,” Cantu said in a statement. “As your County Judge, it pains me deeply to see these horrific acts of violence occurring in our home. Please know that all local, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly, not only to secure the tribal area but to protect our county as a whole.”
Congressman Tony Gonzales released a statement Sunday, saying law enforcement agencies “are working diligently to bring the suspect to justice.”
State Representative Eddie Morales Jr. said, “This is an act of pure evil that has no place in our communities. In these moments, we need to stay strong and united.”
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas also issued a statement:
“We are heartbroken about the violence that occurred at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino. Two individuals were killed, and we are aware of five more individuals who have been transferred to medical facilities in Eagle Pass and San Antonio. There is an ongoing investigation by the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Police Department, Texas Rangers and FBI. A warrant was issued for a person of interest, who was apprehended by the Texas Department of Public Safety in Wilson County. We will provide more information as it becomes available. We are grateful to the Maverick County Sheriff’s Department, Eagle Pass Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety all of whom responded to this terrible accident.”
The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel is the largest casino in the state of Texas. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas operates on reservation land near the Rio Grande. The resort features more than 3,300 slot machines, live poker, bingo, multiple restaurants and bars, and a 249-room hotel.
Authorities ask anyone who was at the casino and may have photos, video, or information about the shooting to contact the Maverick County Sheriff’s Office.