National Harbor residents, business owners on edge after deadly MGM Casino shooting

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — 7News is hearing from residents and businesses who are on edge after a deadly shooting at the National Harbor.

The Prince George’s County Police Department said a man was found with gunshot wounds inside the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino parking garage around 5 a.m. Saturday, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

MORE | Man found shot to death in MGM National Harbor parking garage

Police believe a fight between the suspect and victim ensued before shots rang out.

Now, some are asking what more can be done to deter crime at the National Harbor.

“I’m not shocked. I’m not shocked. I know the area we live in, and it is what it is,” said longtime resident Terry McNeal.

“Seven days a week we do have security,” said Steven Galloway, the general manager at Public House National Harbor.

Galloway has worked there for about five years and said he’s noticed the uptick in crime, especially youth crime.

MORE | Video shows police breaking up group of teens at National Harbor

He said something about the latest incident, involving hundreds of teenagers caught on camera during a violent brawl, doesn’t help business.

“We’ve definitely noticed a little bit slower compared to last year and the past few years because of that,” said Galloway.

The youth curfew in effect, banning unsupervised minors from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekends is helping, he said.

MORE | Prince George’s County enforces weekend youth curfew after National Harbor chaos

“We do see a lot of the PG County Police the Harbor security,” said Galloway.

A new bill introduced last week aims to curb crime even more.

MORE | Man wanted for 7 convenience store robberies in Prince George’s County in custody

As reported by our news partners WTOP, the bill introduced by Prince George’s County Council member Krystal Oriadha would require businesses open after hours to create a “Late-Night Safety Plan,” working with police to assess what extra security measures could be in place.

“I’ve had instances in the past where police would say, ‘Hey, there was a person of interest that stopped by here or in the garage.’ We’re more than welcome to help, would any kind of situation can arise that way. We do have cameras; we do keep footage rolling, 24 /7,” Galloway said.

Some locals support the curfew and bill but still aren’t sure it could be enough.

“I’m always believing there could always be more, but that’s the start I guess. The first time we’re seeing those signs, it’s a start ” said McNeal. “Depending on how bad it gets, who knows we might have to stop coming down.”

MORE | Prince George’s Co. business owners can request youth curfew zones under new resolution

Police are still searching for a suspect in Saturday morning’s shooting. It’s unknown if they are a juvenile or not.

As detectives investigate the shooting, they ask anyone with information to call the Prince George’s County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477) or 301-516-2512. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

MORE | Attempted armed carjacking reported at MGM National Harbor parking garage: Police

7News reached out to MGM Casino for comment, asking if additional security measures would be in place after the deadly shooting. We did not hear back in time for this report.