Update | Person wounded in casino robbery and shooting was Pendleton schools employee

An armed robber and a bystander were shot Wednesday afternoon at an Oregon casino popular with Tri-Citians, according to tribal authorities.

Tribal police responded about 1:45 p.m. to an armed robbery in progress at the Wildhorse Casino, near Pendleton, Ore.

Casino employees alerted tribal police, who intercepted the gunman as he tried to leave the casino complex.

Gunfire was exchanged, leaving the gunman and the bystander wounded, according to a news release from tribal authorities.

The Pendleton School District confirmed Friday afternoon that several members of staff were at the casino and resort at the time for a school event and saw the incident. One employee was injured, according to a statement from the district.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our number one priority,” the district said in the statement. The PSD staff involved will be meeting to debrief and receive support. Please keep everyone involved in your thoughts.”

The district did not say what condition the employee is in.

Both were taken to St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, about an hour drive south of Kennewick, Wash.

“We are grateful no one else was physically injured with all that took place,” CEO Gary George said in a statement. “Security personnel and Tribal Police were quick to act and the situation was controlled in a swift manner.”

According to tribal authorities, several agencies are on site including the tribal police, the FBI, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Department, Umatilla County Fire Department and the Pendleton Police Department.

The Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center has canceled all appointments for the rest of the day, and is encouraging residents and tribe members to call the 988 Mental Health line if they need assistance.

The Resort and Casino off Interstate 84 is open at this time, except for the food court, while the investigation is underway.