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Man arrested after allegedly planting 2 explosive devices at Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa

Bryan Eckley, 46, was arrested on Oct. 30 after allegedly placing two remote-controlled explosives inside the men's restrooms of the casino on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30.

TAMPA, Fla. — Investigators have arrested a man accused of planting two explosive devices in September at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa.

Bryan Eckley is accused of placing two remote-controlled explosives inside the men's restrooms on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Officials said casino employees found the devices before they could cause any damage. The building had to be evacuated twice while bomb squads disabled the devices.

"In my 29 years of doing this, I gotta say, he was good, but we're better," FDLE Special Agent Mark Brutnell said during a news conference Thursday. "We caught him, that's why we're here today. So now, he will be held accountable for his actions, actions that could've endangered many lives."

Authorities reportedly investigated several leads before identifying Eckley through interviews, surveillance and analytical work, FDLE said.

The 46-year-old was arrested on Oct. 30 and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail.

“This case is a shining example of how our local and state law enforcement agencies work together to make our community safe," State Attorney Suzy Lopez stated in the release. "When you intentionally attempt to harm innocent people, you will be held accountable by my office."

Eckley is expected to make his first court appearance at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2024.

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