FBI to conduct counterterrorism training exercise at the Riviera

Steve Marcus

12:13 a.m. - A view of the sidewalk in front of the Riviera Monday, May 4, 2015.

By J.D. Morris

Friday, June 5, 2015 | 6:15 p.m.

The FBI is coming to the shuttered Riviera resort soon, but not to go after any criminal activity.

FBI spokeswoman Bridget Pappas said in an email today that the bureau’s Hostage Rescue Team will conduct a “routine training exercise” in the area surrounding the Riviera. She couldn’t be reached immediately for further comment and didn’t offer any other details, instead directing questions to an article on the bureau’s website with background information about the hostage team.

According to that article, the hostage team is the only full-time counterterrorism unit at the bureau, and it can respond within four hours to situations like terrorist attacks anywhere in the country.

“Operators are able to fast-rope out of helicopters, parachute with full mission equipment, and conduct advanced SCUBA techniques. They are trained to be superior marksmen, proficient in a variety of breaching techniques — including explosives — and experts in close-quarter tactics. Each operator’s skill and training ensures that the HRT can launch assaults with speed, precision, and, if necessary, deadly force,” the FBI says of the hostage team.

So, if you see helicopters or any other signs of FBI activity around the Riviera in the coming days, don’t worry. The 60-year-old property that closed last month is still safe and sound — at least until the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority gets rid of it to build more convention space.