A deadly shooting occurred early Sunday morning at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, Texas, leaving one person dead and six others injured. The incident, which is believed to have been a drive-by shooting, unfolded just after midnight and has left the small community in shock. Local authorities, along with Tribal Police and the FBI, have launched an active investigation into the tragedy.
At approximately 12:45 a.m., a confidential law enforcement source confirmed that one victim had been pronounced dead, while at least three other victims were in critical condition and expected to be airlifted to a San Antonio hospital for advanced treatment. The identities of the victims have not been released, pending notification of their families.
A Sudden Act of Violence
The shooting took place in the parking lot of the popular Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, which is located near the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Pass. According to preliminary reports, shots were fired from a black Nissan pickup truck, which quickly fled the scene following the gunfire. Witnesses to the shooting described seeing the truck speeding away immediately after the attack, and investigators are currently working to track down the vehicle and its occupants.
While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, authorities are treating the incident as a possible drive-by attack. Law enforcement has released a possible suspect description to the public: a man wearing a black hat, jeans, and a camouflage shirt. This description is based on witness statements, though officials have not confirmed whether the shooter is still at large.
A Quick and Coordinated Law Enforcement Response
As soon as the shooting occurred, law enforcement agencies from multiple levels responded swiftly to the scene. Local police from the Eagle Pass Police Department (EPPD), Tribal Police, and federal agencies, including the FBI, were all involved in securing the area and conducting an investigation. Social media images posted shortly after the incident showed a heavy law enforcement presence in and around the casino complex, with officers combing the parking lot for evidence and speaking with witnesses who may have seen the suspect or heard the gunfire.
The Eagle Pass Police Department confirmed that it was assisting Tribal Police with what it described as an “active investigation” and urged the public to avoid the area until the situation was under control. In the early hours of the investigation, the police established a perimeter around the casino and began searching nearby motels and restaurants for any trace of the suspect or suspects involved in the attack.
Community Reactions and Local Leadership
The shooting has left the Eagle Pass community in disbelief. The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, a well-known destination in the region, attracts both locals and visitors from across the U.S.-Mexico border. The violence that erupted in such a familiar and peaceful venue has left many residents shaken.
Local leaders, including Maverick County Judge Ramsey English Cantu and Eagle Pass Mayor Aaron Valdez, have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and reassured the public that law enforcement is working diligently to bring those responsible to justice. In a statement posted on Facebook, Mayor Valdez expressed his deep sadness over the events.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded last night at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino,” Mayor Valdez wrote. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, and we are doing everything possible to support the investigation and ensure the safety of our community.”
Valdez emphasized the importance of cooperation between local law enforcement, Tribal Police, and the FBI, noting that their combined efforts would help maintain order and security in the region while ensuring justice for those affected by the shooting.
“I want to assure the people of Eagle Pass that our city is in close coordination with Tribal Police, EPPD, and other law enforcement agencies to support their investigation, maintain security, and ensure those responsible are found and brought to justice,” Valdez said.
FBI Joins the Investigation
The involvement of the FBI in the investigation highlights the seriousness of the incident and the law enforcement community’s commitment to finding those responsible. In addition to their search for the suspect, the FBI is assisting with gathering evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from the casino’s security cameras. Investigators are also conducting interviews with witnesses who may have seen the suspect or the suspect’s vehicle before or after the shooting.
Although the shooting appears to have been a targeted attack, the exact motive remains unclear. Authorities are looking into whether the shooting could have been related to gang activity, a personal dispute, or other underlying factors. Some speculate that the shooter may have been targeting specific individuals, but there is no definitive evidence to support this theory as of now.
Local law enforcement, alongside federal agents, are continuing their search for clues and investigating potential leads that could shed light on the suspect’s identity and motives.
The Victims and Their Conditions
At the time of the shooting, there were multiple people in the casino’s parking lot, and the gunfire impacted several individuals. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and at least three others were in critical condition. These victims were airlifted to a San Antonio hospital for advanced medical treatment. The remaining injured victims were also treated at the scene, though their conditions have not been released.
The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, pending confirmation from their families. The incident has left many local residents and visitors traumatized, as the casino was hosting a variety of guests from both sides of the border at the time.
The Suspect’s Description and Possible Motive
Witnesses described the suspect as a man wearing a black hat, jeans, and a camouflage shirt. Investigators have not confirmed whether the shooter acted alone, but they are treating the situation as a potential case of targeted violence. Given the drive-by nature of the attack, law enforcement is focusing on tracing the suspect’s vehicle and locating any witnesses who may have seen the suspect before or after the attack.
Although the motive remains unclear, law enforcement officials are considering several possibilities, including whether the shooting was related to a personal dispute, gang activity, or whether it was a random act of violence. Regardless of the motive, authorities are committed to finding the individual or individuals responsible for the attack.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Safety
As the investigation continues, authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Local law enforcement, Tribal Police, and the FBI are all working together to ensure that those responsible for the shooting are identified and brought to justice.
The Eagle Pass community has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Local officials are working to ensure the safety and security of the area, and law enforcement is closely monitoring the situation to prevent further incidents.
Conclusion: A Tragic Event with Unanswered Questions
The shooting at Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino has left one person dead and six others injured, with several victims in critical condition. As law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the drive-by shooting, the community is left searching for answers. The involvement of the FBI highlights the seriousness of the situation, and authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the motive behind the attack.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on bringing the perpetrator to justice and ensuring the safety of the Eagle Pass community. The tragic events have shaken the town, and the healing process for those affected by the shooting is just beginning. Law enforcement officials continue to urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
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