Tampa Man Arrested for Planting Explosive Devices in Hard Rock Casino Restrooms
TAMPA, Fla. — Authorities have arrested a Tampa man accused of placing two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in restrooms at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. Bryan Robert Eckley, 46, was taken into custody on Wednesday and now faces two charges of making and placing destructive devices with intent to harm, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Eckley allegedly planted the devices in two men’s restrooms on September 29 and early September 30 at the casino on Orient Road, FDLE Special Agent in Charge Mark Brutnell stated during a press briefing on Thursday. A casino employee discovered the first device, prompting an immediate evacuation and search. Hillsborough County’s bomb squad responded, locating and safely neutralizing both devices, which Brutnell noted were potentially remotely controlled.
According to an arrest warrant filed in Hillsborough County, the devices were made using modified fireworks components, including a receiver wired to a small hand grenade and aerial mortar. Investigators said one of the devices was found near a gas line, which could have increased the threat of serious injury had it detonated.
Eckley’s motive remains under investigation, but surveillance footage from the casino identified him as a suspect. In the footage, Eckley was seen wearing a medical mask in an attempt to hide his identity. Forensic evidence linked Eckley to the explosive devices following a separate incident earlier in the month.
Just days before the Hard Rock incident, on September 26, Eckley was arrested for aggravated assault with a firearm. He is accused of threatening another man with firearms following a political dispute. After initially leaving the man’s home, he allegedly returned with two handguns and a rifle, firing a round into the air during a confrontation. He was arrested later that night on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm on residential property but was released the next day after posting a $5,500 bond.
The FDLE was brought into the Hard Rock investigation at the request of the Seminole Police Department. After tracing a white Ford Explorer seen at the casino to Eckley, authorities collected additional forensic evidence linking him to the devices.
“Now he will be held accountable for his actions that could have endangered many lives,” Brutnell stated, adding that a nationwide manhunt is unnecessary, as Eckley remains in custody in Hillsborough County without bond.
Eckley, the owner of ProTex Roofing, is a Tampa native and alumnus of Plant High School and the University of Florida, where he studied business and finance, according to his company’s website. His court appearances for the pending charges are expected to continue in the coming weeks as investigators work to uncover any further motives or connections.
Eckley faces two counts related to the placement of destructive devices with intent to harm, which are second-degree felonies, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
