Bomb Detonated at Harrah's Cherokee Casino
By Knoxville Daily Sun Staff
January 1, 2011, 12:31 a.m.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino, located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Cherokee, NC, received a bomb threat on Wednesday evening, December 28. Thousands of guests and employees were evacuated from the casino and adjoining hotel at 8:00 p.m. as federal agents were being flown to the reservation by helicopter.

It was initially believed that the bomb threat was unfounded. Employees were told to exit immediately after the threat was received. Employees were seen rushing through the casino to reach an exterior door, and guests exited the casino in an orderly fashion.

According to sources, a bomb was discovered in the casino. Once the bomb was found, several injuries occurred because of guests reacting with panic.

The bomb was moved into the adjoining parking garage and then detonated by federal agents. Several loud noises occurred which sounded like powerful gun shots as the bomb was being detonated.

Guests were later allowed to return to the casino and hotel.