Community on Edge as Authorities Search for 18-Year-Old Malik Sampson, Person of Interest in Tulsa Osage Casino Hotel Shooting With Ties to Arlington, Texas

Tulsa, Oklahoma — The Osage County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent community alert and is actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating Malik Sampson, an 18-year-old man identified as a person of interest in a shooting investigation that unfolded in the early hours of the morning at the Osage Casino Hotel in Tulsa.

The incident, which took place in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday, April 12, 2025, has left local residents and guests shaken, as law enforcement agencies work around the clock to determine the circumstances that led to the gunfire and to locate the individual potentially involved.

According to officials, the shooting occurred inside or near the premises of the Osage Casino Hotel located on 36th Street North. While details remain limited due to the ongoing investigation, authorities have confirmed that at least one person was injured during the incident. The extent of the injuries has not been publicly disclosed, but emergency services were reportedly dispatched immediately after shots were fired.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as casino security rushed to secure the building and assist guests, while police quickly arrived to assess the situation and begin their investigation. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts led law enforcement to name Malik Sampson as a person of interest. Sampson is not currently listed as a suspect, but investigators stress the importance of locating and questioning him to gain clarity on what occurred.

Malik Sampson is believed to still be in the Tulsa area, though authorities noted that he has known connections to Arlington, Texas, raising the possibility that he could attempt to flee the state. His current whereabouts remain unknown, prompting the sheriff’s office to issue a community-wide alert urging vigilance and cooperation.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have seen Sampson or has information regarding his location to immediately contact them at (918) 287-3131. Callers can remain anonymous, and even the smallest tip could be vital in advancing the investigation.

In a statement, the sheriff’s office emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the need for community support:

“We urge anyone with information on Malik Sampson’s whereabouts to come forward. This is a serious matter involving public safety, and we are working diligently to ensure a swift and safe resolution. Our goal is to protect our community and those who visit Tulsa.”

Local authorities are working in coordination with regional law enforcement and have not ruled out the possibility of additional individuals being involved in the shooting. As such, increased patrols and heightened surveillance may be observed in the surrounding areas in the coming days.

The Osage Casino Hotel has issued a statement saying it is cooperating fully with the investigation and is reviewing internal security protocols to ensure the continued safety of its guests and staff.

“We are deeply concerned about the incident and are working closely with law enforcement. Guest safety remains our top priority.”

As the investigation continues, the Tulsa community is urged to remain cautious, report any suspicious activity, and support efforts to bring about a swift resolution to this alarming incident.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.