California casino is closed after armed standoff
COARSEGOLD, Calif.
A federal judge closed a Central California casino after an armed showdown between tribal factions caused many gamblers to flee with chips left on the tables.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence O'Neill, acting on an emergency request by the state attorney general, set no date for the possible reopening of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, about 40 miles north of Fresno, The Fresno Bee reported (http://bit.ly/1syCiKE ). He scheduled a hearing for Wednesday.
The National Indian Gaming Commission also ordered the casino closed, declaring a threat to public safety that could result in serious injury or death.
A faction that was forced out of the casino to a nearby tribal business center in August returned Thursday night. According to the gaming commission, each faction controlled different parts of the casino and was unwilling to leave as Friday wore on.
http://www.ajc.com/news/ap/top-news/california-casino-is-closed-after-armed-standoff/nhgsh/