GREEN BAY, Wis. — A deadly shooting at the Oneida Casino complex in Green Bay, Wisconsin, left two people dead and another seriously injured before the gunman was fatally shot by police, according to investigators. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of May 1, 2021, triggered a large-scale law enforcement response and sent hundreds of casino patrons and employees scrambling for safety.
Authorities said the shooting began shortly after 7:30 p.m. inside the Duck Creek Kitchen and Bar restaurant, located within the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center connected to the Oneida Casino complex. Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted in a crowded area of the facility. Police agencies from across Brown County rushed to the scene after reports of an active shooter.
Investigators later identified the gunman as 62-year-old Bruce Pofahl, a former employee of the restaurant. According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Pofahl entered the restaurant armed with a handgun and opened fire. Authorities believe he was targeting a specific individual who was not present at the time. When that person could not be located, investigators say he shot other employees connected to the intended target.
Two restaurant employees, identified as 35-year-old Jacob Bartel and 32-year-old Ian Simpson, were killed in the attack. A third victim, Daniel Mulligan, was critically injured and transported to a hospital for treatment. Responding officers confronted the gunman outside the building and fatally shot him, ending the threat within minutes.
Law enforcement officials credited rapid coordination among multiple agencies for preventing additional casualties. More than 70 officers from local, tribal, state, and federal agencies responded to the emergency, securing the sprawling casino and hotel complex while evacuating guests and employees.
The shooting prompted an extensive investigation involving the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI. Authorities reviewed surveillance footage, collected forensic evidence, and interviewed witnesses as they worked to reconstruct the events leading up to the attack.
Community leaders and Oneida Nation officials expressed grief over the tragedy and praised first responders for their actions. The Oneida Nation temporarily closed its casino operations following the incident while investigations and security assessments were conducted.
Years later, the Oneida Casino shooting remains one of the most significant acts of workplace-related violence in Wisconsin’s recent history. The incident sparked renewed discussions about workplace threats, security measures, and emergency preparedness at large entertainment venues throughout the region.
