Known for providing a good time, with plenty of casino gaming, drinks, and dining, the Las Vegas Strip is usually a go-to spot for travelers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to lesser traffic in the region, which means fewer revenues for the state. On top of lower traffic numbers, those who are traveling to the Strip are bringing violence with them. For months, the region has had to deal with fights and shootings. Now, with the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden coming up this week, casinos are focusing on adding even more security in case negative events were to occur.
Current Violence
For months now, we have reported on various acts of violence throughout the Las Vegas area. There have been drive by shootings, fights, point-blank shootings, etc. Just a few days ago, an incident took place involving yet another shooting and this time, one of the individuals was hospitalized.
The incident took place in the early morning hours on Monday. A fight broke out involving two groups of men at the Venetian on the casino floor. Security guards stopped the fight and told the men they had to leave.
Once the men left, they gathered out front and started fighting again. As the fight ensued, one man took out a handgun. Him and another man started to fight over the gun. The gun then went off as the men struggled. The victim was shot in the stomach area.
The gunman and a second person left the scene but were later captured by police.
Protecting from Protests
As the casinos have increased security measures due to the violence occurring on the Strip, venues are also focusing on this week and the inauguration of Joe Biden as president. In early January, a huge attack took place in Washington D.C. involving the nation’s capital and members of congress were put at risk.
The surprising factor to this attack is that it was US citizens leading the charge. The FBI and other police officials have seen talk online that attacks will happen in major cities as well as in capital buildings across the US.
The casinos in Las Vegas are staying aware of any potential threats and will make changes to security protocols as needed. The casinos already have quality security plans in place to tackle terrorist threats or other types of attacks.
So far, there does not seem to be a planned demonstration in Las Vegas. Because there does not seem to be an event planned, the security measures in place will work. There is just one more day until the inauguration and it is still unclear as to what exactly will happen involving those who think Trump was robbed by the election.
As far as the Las Vegas Strip is concerned, all actions will be taken to protect any patrons as well as employees who will be on-site tomorrow and in the coming days. Most people in the US hope that the inauguration is completed smoothly and things can start to get back to normal.
