Full Breakdown
Targeted Shooting at MGM National Harbor Leaves One Dead
12/5/2025, 5:49:35 PM
Incident Overview
On December 3, 2025, a targeted shooting occurred at the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino in Oxon Hill, Maryland, resulting in the death of 23-year-old Darnell Hawkins Jr. The incident took place just before noon in the food court, where Hawkins was ordering food when he was approached and shot multiple times by 22-year-old Benjamin Williams, who has since been arrested. Police Chief George Nader confirmed that the shooting was not random, stating, “It appeared they were looking for this person, chased him down, and the shooting occurred right there in the food court.”
Arrest and Charges
Benjamin Williams was apprehended approximately 14 hours after the shooting at a residence in College Park, Maryland. He faces multiple charges, including first- and second-degree murder, assault, and gun possession. The police indicated that surveillance footage from the casino played a crucial role in identifying Williams as the shooter. Chief Nader noted, “There’s almost no areas in MGM that are not covered by video, and that was instrumental in bringing this case to a swift closure.”
Background and Context
The MGM National Harbor, which opened in 2016, is a significant entertainment venue located near Washington, D.C. It has seen a reported 32% decrease in violent crime this year, making incidents like this particularly rare. Following the shooting, the food court was closed for investigation, but the rest of the casino remained open. Nearby schools were briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Official Statements and Community Response
Officials, including Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, emphasized the safety of the MGM National Harbor, asserting that the incident was isolated. “MGM is safe. The harbor is safe,” Nader stated, reinforcing that there was no ongoing threat to the community. However, some patrons expressed concerns about security measures at the casino, with one woman questioning, “Where's the security? This is supposed to be a secure place.”
Criticism and Opposition
Despite reassurances from officials, the shooting has raised questions about security protocols at the MGM National Harbor. Critics argue that the casino should implement more stringent measures to prevent such incidents, especially given its status as a high-traffic entertainment venue. The lack of a clear motive for the shooting further complicates the narrative, as investigators continue to explore the relationship between Williams and Hawkins.
What's Next
As the investigation continues, police are seeking additional information regarding the motive behind the shooting. Williams is currently being held without bond as he awaits a court hearing. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This person did not happen upon this person.” — George Nader, Police Chief
- “The murder of Mr. Hawkins is not a statistic,” — George Nader, Police Chief
- “Today we mourn the death of a young 23-year-old, who had his full life ahead of him,” — Aisha Braveboy, County Executive
- “I feel MGM is a secure place. I feel it’s like any other business where people have public access. So it’s a shopping mall,” — George Nader, Police Chief
This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about safety in public spaces and the need for effective security measures to protect patrons in entertainment venues.
