Maryland authorities are searching for a gunman seen on surveillance footage opening fire inside the MGM National Harbor casino on Wednesday, killing a man in what police say was a targeted attack.
The shooting happened shortly before midday in the casino’s food court, according to Prince George’s County Police Chief George Nader.
Police: Suspect Went Straight Toward Victim
Chief Nader said the shooter appeared to know exactly where the victim was.
“It seemed like he knew where the victim was, and then went that way,” Nader explained.
Responding officers found a man in his 20s who had been fatally shot while ordering food. Police say surveillance video shows no prior interaction between the shooter and the victim, reinforcing the belief that the attacker was specifically targeting him.
Gunman Fled and Has Not Been Identified
No other injuries were reported. Authorities have not released a suspect description or revealed any possible motive. The gunman fled the National Harbor area in a vehicle and, according to police, “is no longer in the community.”
Casino Stays Open; Schools Briefly Locked Down
While the MGM National Harbor remained open, the food court area was closed as investigators processed the scene. Several nearby schools were temporarily placed on lockdown out of caution before reopening.
Chief Nader reassured the public: “MGM is safe. The harbor is safe… This was a targeted incident.”
Violent Crime Down in the National Harbor Area
Chief Nader also noted that violent crime at MGM National Harbor and the broader harbor area has dropped by about 32% this year.
“It’s rare that instances like this occur,” he said. “We’re confident that we’ll close this case.”
