The Islamic State on Friday morning claimed responsibility for an attack at Resorts World Manila in the Philippines that left 37 people dead the day before.
The terror group said in a statement on Amaq, its news agency, that “Islamic State fighters carried out the attack,” according to SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors terrorism communications.
1) Breaking: ISIS’ Amaq claimed attack @ Resort World #Manila , #Philippines was carried out by #ISIS fighters according to its source pic.twitter.com/W1n9673y5T
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) June 2, 2017
Police in the Philippines, however, said they believe that robbery, not terrorism, was the motive. If true, the ISIS claim would confirm an assertion made by President Trump on Thursday, who referred to the attack as an act of terrorism. Critics were quick to point out that Trump’s reference to terrorism was at odds with the beliefs of local police.
The lone gunman entered the resort, fired shots, and set fire to gambling tables in the casino. Police said more than 37 people died, mostly from suffocation.
Philippines National Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa said Friday the gunman also stole gaming chips totaling 113 million pesos, or $2.3 million, which he stuffed in a backpack.
Police later recovered the backpack.
Security guards later shot and wounded the attacker, who went into a hotel room, doused the bed with gasoline, and shot himself, according to Stephen Reilly, World Resorts Manila’s chief operating officer.
The gunman was found dead, Resorts World Manila said in a statement on its Facebook page.
4)Breaking: #SIS published official claim on #Manila casino attack, stated: attacker Abu’l Kheir Al Arkhebieli killied/wounded about 100 pic.twitter.com/HjujwuZ38N
— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) June 2, 2017
