Fairfax County security leaders voice concerns surrounding potential casino in the Tysons Corner area
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - Security leaders in Fairfax County are voicing new concerns about safety and security risks surrounding possible casinos in the Tysons Corner area.
The letter was spearheaded by a former senior director for the Office of the Secretary of Defense who is now leading a grassroots group — the security leaders of Fairfax County.
FOX 5’s Tisha Lewis reported live from the potential home for a possible casino that is currently fenced off.
The idea is controversial and now security concerns and risks are at the forefront.
A letter was recently sent to lawmakers in Fairfax County on Monday. Sources say the letter was emailed to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, all members of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates and the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General of Virginia yesterday.
The letter details what some critics describe as "the unnecessary risk to national security posed by locating a casino in the Tysons section of Fairfax County."
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We’re told the risk focuses on the apparent proximity to many sensitive offices, including CIA headquarters in Langley, plus numerous defense and intelligence community contractors in and around Tysons.
FOX 5 has learned 109 former leaders in the defense industry field have signed off on this letter, plus two people who we’re told served in the Senate-confirmed political positions at the department of defense, two former Members of congress and former intelligence and military personnel.
The risk assessment comes as some county lawmakers are pushing for a casino bill that would reportedly allow voters in Fairfax County to choose if they want a casino in their own backyard.
Critics are concerned placing a casino here could increase addiction to gambling among residents, including military personnel who are reportedly two to three times more likely to experience gambling addiction, potentially impacting security clearances.
We’re told lawmakers could present a bill on this by early next month.