Chaos at Circus Circus: False Alarm Sparks Panic Amidst a History of Violence
Unfounded Alarm over Phantom Gunman Triggers Evacuation at Circus Circus
A false shooter alarm sent shockwaves through the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas this weekend, resulting in a chaotic evacuation.
Initially, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) responded to the alarm at 5:40 pm on Saturday, announcing on X that they were investigating reports of gunfire at the property. However, three hours later, the LVMPD clarified that the reports were unfounded.
Despite the lack of evidence, the LVMPD decided to evacuate the property due to an abundance of caution, a choice that sparked an atmosphere of hysteria inside Circus Circus.
Fear and Panic Prevail
Following the initial evacuation, the LVMPD released another statement indicating that the chaos was triggered by fights within the hotel that escalated into multiple altercations, causing mass panic.
Regrettably, Circus Circus is no stranger to violent incidents. For instance, the hotel was the site of a double fatal stabbing in 2018, and more recently, four people were shot and injured.
The fear gripping Circus Circus guests on Saturday seemed palpable, as they raced to escape the property, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. One guest, Shahiera Langendam, described the ordeal as the "scariest thing" she had ever experienced. Though some may argue that the historical violence at the hotel played a role in the guests' fear, the immediate trigger was the false shooter alarm.
Langendam also mentioned hearing rumors of people being stabbed or shot, while another woman she spoke to claimed to have heard gunfire.
Guests Temporarily Barred
Meanwhile, a pair of Circus Circus guests, Andrew Cannezzaro and his girlfriend, were returning to the hotel from another Strip property when they encountered a wall of police officers blocking their entrance. The couple found themselves unable to reenter due to the ongoing investigation.
Fortunately, the hotel allowed the couple and other guests back into their rooms around 8 pm. Those who couldn't provide proof of being guests were unfortunately denied entry.
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential risks associated with large hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, particularly Circus Circus, which unfortunately carries a history of violent crime.
Stay informed by following local news outlets and official statements from the LVMPD for the most accurate and up-to-date information on safety incidents at Circus Circus and other popular attractions in Las Vegas.
- The false shooter alarm at Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, initially believed to be due to reports of gunfire, was later found to be caused by multiple altercations among guests that sparked mass panic, as announced by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
- A guest at Circus Circus, Shahiera Langendam, described the ordeal as the "scariest thing" she had ever experienced, and reported hearing rumors of people being stabbed or shot, while another woman she spoke to claimed to have heard gunfire.
- Andrew Cannezzaro and his girlfriend, returning to Circus Circus from another Strip property, were temporarily barred from entering the hotel due to the ongoing police investigation following the false shooter alarm.
- The incident at Circus Circus, a casino-and-gambling venue with a history of violence, highlights potential risks associated with large hotels and casinos in Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of staying informed via local news outlets and official statements from the LVMPD for the most accurate and timely safety information.
