Two women are suing the New York-New York casino after a false active shooter incident led to a stampede at the property last summer. The lawsuit alleges that the rush of casino goers led to the women becoming injured in the process.
Arizona residents Julie and Isabella Vandrew are alleging the property didn’t properly control the crowd of people in the casino leading to their injuries.
“Sources at the casino’s theater told the Review-Journal at the time people had run across the pedestrian bridge on the Strip connecting MGM Grand and New York-New York and stormed the front doors of the theater, seeking a place to hide,” the newspaper noted. “Cast members of the ‘Mad Apple’ Cirque du Soleil stage show were then hustled off stage and into their dressing rooms, instructed to lock the doors.”
Other casino news also sees an Arizona tribe debuting another casino property at the end of this month.
A Look at the Incident and Lawsuit
The stampede incident in question occurred on July 16 about 10 p.m. after a window was broken in the MGM Grand valet area. Believing there was an active shooter, many guests began rushing toward the exits at the property.
Rumors of a shooter quickly spread on social media including news that the incident may be in the area of New York-New York, where the Vandrews were located at the time. Police placed some area properties on lockdown during the incident and reported minor injuries to one person after falling down. However, no one involved needed hospital care at the time, according to police.
The extent of the Vanrews’ alleged injuries isn’t yet known, nor are the damages they are seeking. Their attorney hasn’t offered a comment on the lawsuit. New York-New York officials also haven’t commented. The casino is owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM Resorts International.
The false shooter scare came after a 2017 shooting at Mandalay Bay. Stephen Paddock, 64, killed 60 people and wounded more than 400. The resident of Mesquite, Nevada, fired from a 32nd floor window into the crowd attending a music festival.
During the incident, the ensuing panic and stampede to escape the venue left another 400 people also injured. Paddock later killed himself via gunshot and law enforcement were never able to determine a motive for the murders. The shooting remains the worst mass shooting in American history.
Gila River Unveils New Arizona Casino
In other casino news, the Gila River Indian Community is set to unveil a fourth casino for gamblers in Chandler, Arizona. The tribe announced grand opening celebrations for the new Santan Mountain Casino on June 30 and July 1.
The completed property is the culmination of a $180 million project that took 20 months to complete. Gila River tribal leaders expert the property to bring more than 700 new jobs to the region, which is located about 30 miles southeast of Phoenix.
Santan Mountain features floor-to-ceiling windows for sweeping scenic views of the surrounding countryside, 33,000 square feet of gaming space, more than 800 slot machines, 25 table games, an outdoor garden area, event space, several restaurants, an outdoor patio, and more. The property also includes a BetMGM sportsbook, expected to be the largest sports wagering facility in the state.
“We are excited to break the mold with traditional casinos and bring a stunning new property to our loyal guests,” Gila River CEO Kenneth Manuel said. “With views of the Santan Mountains, modern touches, and elevated amenities, there is not a gaming destination like this in the state of Arizona. The growth aligns perfectly with the enterprise’s mission of driving economic stability for the Gila River Indian Community and the State of Arizona.”
Gila River also operates three other Arizona casinos including: Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte, and Vee Quiva. As part of the Santan Mountain festivities, attendees can expect prize giveaways, Las Vegas-style showgirls, aerial drone shows, fire breathers, stilt walkers, live DJs, concerts with country music star and former American Idol contestant Gabby Barrett, and more. On July 2, the first 150 guests to visit the Magic Lamp slot machines can also place three max bets for free and keep any winnings. Guests will also receive a commemorative T-shirt as part of the grand opening.
With the addition of the fourth property, revenue from the enterprise directly funds infrastructure, education and public safety for the Gila River Indian Community. Additional revenue from the enterprise is also dispersed throughout the state for the Arizona Tribal State Gaming Compact to support local cities, towns, and counties. The tribe has been in the area now known as Pinal and Maricopa counties for centuries and the The Gila River Indian Community was established in 1859.
