Canadian Casino Shuttered After Security Guard Killed in Shooting

An gaming property and hotel are temporarily closed after a was fatally wounded on Monday morning. The guard has been identified as Michael Ferdinand, 34, according to CBC News.

It appears the shooter or shooters fired “numerous” bullets at Ferdinand while he was inside the casino building. The gunfire was reported to police at about 5 a.m. After officers arrived, the victim was rushed to a nearby trauma center. He died at the hospital.

It appears no one else was injured during the gunfire.

Ferdinand was on duty at the casino when the shooting took place. Police didn’t detail the circumstances surrounding the incident. Nor do they have a motive for the crime. There were no initial indications the suspects took part in a robbery or theft.

The suspects are believed to be at least one man and a woman. They fled from the crime scene after the shooting. Police didn’t provide physical descriptions for the shooters.

didn’t provide a time to reopen, as Durham Regional Police (DRP) investigate the homicide, Global News reported.

The fatal shooting took place as Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving Day.

The gaming property is located near Church Street and Highway 401 in Pickering. It’s located about 28 miles east of Toronto.

Pickering Casino Resort opened its on-site hotel on January 16. Hotel rooms range from 388 square feet to 775 square feet. Pickering’s 96,000-square-foot casino opened in July 2021. The casino offers 2,200 slot machines, 90 table games, 140 live dealer stadium gaming positions, and a sportsbook.

There are seven restaurants at the complex, too. There is no word if they are shuttered after the shooting.

The casino is operated by . It’s the largest operator of land-based casinos in Ontario.