Law enforcement officials confirmed that two hidden explosive devices constructed with “fireworks components” were discovered on Sunday and Monday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida. The discovery forced two evacuations while a local bomb squad deactivated the devices.
In a statement to Fox News, the Seminole Police Department confirmed that a “crude concealed device with fireworks components” was found at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida, just prior to midnight on Sunday. The Seminole Police Department told Fox News that the device was quickly deactivated with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Team.
The hidden explosive device was reportedly found in a men’s room near the casino, forcing part of the building to quickly evacuate as a safety precaution.
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According to Fox News, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino reopened at roughly 3 a.m. on Monday following the deactivation and removal of the concealed device. However, a second hidden device was found in a men’s room just after 12 p.m. on Monday in the casino’s mezzanine area. The discovery of the second concealed device quickly prompted a second evacuation.
Fox News reported that the second device was discovered as part of an investigation and review of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s surveillance footage. The outlet noted that the second concealed device was deactivated and removed from the building with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Team.
Following the deactivation and removal of the two devices, all areas of the casino were reopened. According to WTSP, Sunday’s incident is under investigation by local police officials and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Law enforcement officials have not yet announced a suspected motive behind the placement of the two concealed devices made from “fireworks components.”
