FBI: Active shooter call at Tamaya Resort appears to be a hoax

SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M. — Dozens of law enforcement swarmed to the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort on Santa Ana Pueblo Monday after there were reports of an active shooter.  Multiple properties locked down for hours. 

According to the FBI, it was all a hoax. There were no arrests, and no shooters or guns were found at the resort. 

Investigators cleared the scene early Monday evening, but for hours people staying and working at the resort – and even nearby businesses – waited for any kind of sign it was safe. 

Santa Ana Pueblo police blocked the entrance to the Premier Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort after someone called authorities claiming there was an active shooter. 

“We have to take these things seriously because you don’t know what you have until you actually go in and investigate, and that’s why I can tell you now there is not a threat to the public,” said FBI Special Agent Raul Bujanda.  

And there never was. 

FBI agents say the call was a hoax and no shots were ever fired. 

“Just very thankful that the situation wasn’t true in all that transpired today,” said Santa Ana Pueblo Gov. Nathan Garcia. 

But there’s a new concern now, the increase recently in these false reports putting everyone on edge and tying up resources. 

“This is something that is happening across the country not just here in New Mexico, so this is something that we are addressing. Some are connected, some are not connected, we are not going to know what we have here until it’s fully investigated. We are not going to know if it originated here, or somewhere else to see if those were one in the same,” said Bujanda. 

People saw the same situation with a handful of schools in New Mexico weeks ago when someone called in fake active shooter alerts.

In Monday;s case, the investigation continues.

FBI agents say they’re trying to narrow down where the “active shooter” call originated from – it’s unclear if any charges will be filed.

Officials say the response time and cooperation between agencies were right where they needed to be.

But Santa Ana Pueblo Gov. Nathan Garcia says there is always room for improvement and education. They are currently working with the FBI to set up active shooter training courses for all Pueblo employees from the resort, to the casino, and even at their administrative offices.