Tampa man who planted two explosives at Seminole Hard Rock Casino arrested

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A man has been arrested following a joint investigation into explosives during last month’s evacuation of the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

On September 30, the casino was evacuated twice within a 12-hour period after suspicious devices were found in the men’s room. Police described it as a “crude concealed device with fireworks components.”

Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa was evacuated twice after suspicious devices were found, police say

Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, of Tampa, was identified as the suspect and arrested Wednesday. He has been charged with two counts of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing or discharging a destructive device with the intent to cause harm, FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said.

He wore a mask, had cell phones and used an alias.

“He was very good, but we are better,” officials said.

Authorities said Eckley planted two radio-controlled explosives in the bathroom, which were discovered by an employee. After the discovery of the second device, the bomb squad secured the devices and guests were able to return to the casino.

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“Eckley went to great lengths to hide from law enforcement,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent Mark Brutnell. “But thanks to the exceptional work of this investigative and forensic team, he will be held accountable for his actions.”

On September 25, the investigation revealed that Eckley was wandering around the casino in his white Ford, which he had purchased under an alias and paid for in cash. On September 27, he was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated assault with a firearm.

Eckley is currently being held in the Hillsborough County Jail.

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The case will now be turned over to State’s Attorney Suzy Lopez. Officials said Eckley faces up to 30 years in Florida State Prison.

This remains an active investigation.

The FDLE was joined at Thursday morning’s press conference by the Seminole Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office and the FBI Tampa Division.

WFLA livestreamed the conference at 11 a.m., which can be viewed in the video player above.

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