A plan to construct a casino near Tysons, Virginia, has drawn criticism from 109 former defense industry leaders, intelligence officials, and members of Congress. In a detailed letter, these officials highlighted significant security risks posed by the proposed casino, which would be located near critical national security facilities.
The letter outlines concerns about the casino’s proximity to agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Counterterrorism Center, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. With over 20,000 federal employees holding sensitive security clearances working in the area, opponents fear that gambling-related vulnerabilities, such as debt and blackmail, could compromise national security.
Concerns about location and security:
Comstock Holding Companies, a Reston-based developer, aims to establish the casino along Metro’s Silver Line. The location is also near major defense contractors, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon, raising alarms among opponents. They argue the casino could attract organized crime and foreign intelligence agencies seeking to exploit gambling-related financial pressures.
The letter, sent to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, state lawmakers, and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, underscores these dangers. It references a Defense Technical Information Center report linking gambling debts to instances of classified information leaks, including cases involving espionage for foreign adversaries.
“The proximity of a Tysons casino to a significant population of government, military, and contract officials with access to highly secretive government intelligence, diplomatic, and defense information will not only attract organized crime — casinos always do — but also adversarial intelligence services,” the letter warns, as Patch.com reports.
Local leaders push back:
Fairfax County officials have also expressed strong opposition. Board Chair Jeff McKay reiterated his stance, citing concerns over community backlash and unfavorable revenue-sharing arrangements under current legislation. He noted that the proposed casino could generate substantial local tax revenue through other means without introducing gambling.
Del. Holly Seibold and Sen. Saddam Salim, who represent the Tysons area, have both committed to opposing any casino legislation. Seibold emphasized her unchanged position, stating, “If one ends up being filed, I will not support it.” Salim, meanwhile, highlighted overwhelming negative feedback from constituents as a key factor in his decision to oppose the initiative.
Sen. Jennifer Boysko, a vocal critic of the proposal, hosted community meetings where attendees strongly rejected the casino plan. Boysko described the site as “inappropriate,” given its location in a densely populated economic district and its potential to heighten security vulnerabilities. “This is not an appropriate place to put a casino,” she asserted.
Despite the pushback, efforts to introduce casino legislation continue. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell has confirmed plans to sponsor a casino referendum bill in the upcoming legislative session. The prefiling period for bills began in July and will conclude in January 2025, with the General Assembly set to convene shortly after.
While the debate continues, the letter from national security leaders has added significant weight to the opposition. Critics hope the warnings will dissuade lawmakers from advancing the proposal and refocus their efforts on other priorities, such as transportation and education.
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