A Florida man faces serious charges after allegedly planting radio-controlled bombs in a casino bathroom just days after being bailed out following a political dispute involving gunfire, authorities reported.
The suspect, 46-year-old Bryan Robert Eckley, was arrested on Wednesday after police linked him to two radio-controlled “improvised explosive devices” discovered in men’s restrooms at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino, according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Mark Glass, who shared the details at a press conference.
The devices were uncovered on September 30 by a casino employee, prompting an immediate evacuation. A bomb squad was called to safely remove both devices, authorities confirmed.
Florida Man Charged with Planting Explosives in Casino Restroom Following Political Dispute Arrest
One of the explosive devices was reportedly placed close to a gas line, with both devices positioned in a way that could have caused “serious bodily injury to anyone nearby if detonated,” according to a warrant obtained by the Tampa Bay Times.
It remains unclear why Bryan Robert Eckley, a 46-year-old roofing business owner, allegedly chose the casino as his target. Just days prior, Eckley had been arrested following a heated political argument that escalated into gunfire. The warrant did not specify what political issue led to the confrontation.
Florida man arrested after explosive devices found in casino toilet https://t.co/UWEWkmdIxC pic.twitter.com/TrLzquvHAL
— The Independent (@Independent) November 3, 2024
Explosives Linked to Gun Incident in Casino Arrest
According to an affidavit, Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, had previously left the home of an unidentified man during a political dispute, only to return armed with two handguns and a rifle. The argument escalated as Eckley allegedly pointed the rifle at the man before firing a warning shot into the air. This incident led to charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and unlawfully discharging a weapon, for which he was released on September 27 after posting a $5,500 bond.
Evidence from that incident helped Florida forensic analysts connect Eckley to the abandoned explosives later found in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Witnesses reported spotting him acting suspiciously in the casino and leaving in a white Ford Explorer just days before the devices were discovered. Following extensive forensic analysis and interviews, authorities identified Eckley as the suspect.
Florida man Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, charged after he allegedly left two improvised explosive devices in bathrooms at Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. Charged with two cts of making, possessing, throwing, projecting, placing, or discharging any destructive device, law annc'ed Thur. 💩 pic.twitter.com/AQVBqX012r
— Sumner (@renmusb1) November 1, 2024
FDLE Tampa Bay Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell commented, “Eckley did everything he could to evade law enforcement, but thanks to the diligent work of our investigative and forensic team, he will be held accountable.”
Tampa Roofer Faces Charges for Planting Explosives in Casino Restroom
Court records reveal that Bryan Robert Eckley faces two counts related to creating and placing destructive devices. Owner of ProTex Roofing in Tampa, Eckley studied business and finance at the University of Florida, according to jail records reviewed by the Tampa Bay Times.
Currently held in the Hillsborough County Jail, Eckley is set for a pretrial detention hearing on November 5.
