Barona Casino Shooting Has Authorities on Alert

The Barona Casino Resort saw an armed man enter a building today on the facility's reserve. The man supposedly entered the tribal gaming commission building near the Barona Casino in San Diego, earlier this morning.

Although earlier reports had mentioned the possibility of the gunman taking hostages, it would appear at this time the man ordered everyone out of the building and fired a few shots. It is not believed at this time that anyone has been kept behind as a hostage nor does it appear that anyone has been harmed.

The gunman is believed to be a former employee who worked at the Barona Casino or affiliate thereof and was let go earlier last month. There doesn't seem to be any demands being made at this time, nor has there been much communication with the gunman.

It is not known how the man was able to enter the building with a firearm nor is it known how he managed to secure his position. The state of mind of the man is currently unclear. It is not known at this time if drugs or alcohol have played a role in the incident . The casino itself does not allow alcohol on the casino floor. Whether the safety of patrons or employees was part of that particular decision at the time of the creation of the facility is unknown. What is understood, is that high ranking Barona Casino officials were concerned about the winding and hilly terrain surrounding the facility. In particular, the uneven and curvaceous nature of Wildcat Canyon Road which acts as the primary artery into the facility. The terrain seems to be the primary motivator behind the policy against alcohol on the casino floor.

What is unusual about the situation at present is that although shots have been fired, there are no hostages and therefore the only life immediately in jeopardy is that of the gunman himself.

Hostage negotiators will always work in an effort to maintain the security of any hostages involved but also remain weary of the possibility of the gunman harming himself. It is not uncommon in situations such as the one unfolding at the Barona Casino that the gunman threatens to take his own life and in effect creates a hostage situation.

The basic element of negotiation under the circumstances will remain the same. The officers will attempt to build a rapport with the gunmen and hopefully lead to a peaceful conclusion. With so much still unknown about this particular gunmen, it is certain to prove a challenge to the authorities to unlock the motivation behind the man's desire to take the building. After additional details are discovered, hopefully a resolution will be achieved without the need for any unnecessary violence or injury to either the suspect, witnesses or the authorities.