Man pleads guilty to attempted murder in Wildhorse Casino robbery

Javier Francisco Vigil faces up to 30 years in federal prison for 2022 armed robbery and shooting at Oregon tribal casino

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pistol grip and trigger against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the weapon used in a violent casino robbery.A dramatic close-up of the weapon used in a violent casino robbery underscores the dangers faced by tribal gaming facilities.Pendleton Today

Javier Francisco Vigil, 54, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, robbery, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon related to an armed robbery at the Wildhorse Resort & Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in August 2022. Vigil entered the casino, demanded $1 million from the cashier at gunpoint, and fled with nearly $70,000 before exchanging gunfire with a responding tribal police officer, injuring a bystander.

Why it matters

The Wildhorse Casino robbery highlights the ongoing threat of violent crime targeting tribal gaming facilities, which are often located in remote areas and can be vulnerable to armed robberies. This case also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges of preventing violent crimes committed by those with prior felony convictions.

The details

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, on the afternoon of August 17, 2022, Vigil entered the Wildhorse Casino, walked straight to the cashier cage, handed the cashier a note demanding $1 million, and then drew a pistol and threatened to 'bathe everyone in blood.' After obtaining nearly $70,000 in cash, Vigil exited the casino, leading to an exchange of gunfire with a responding Umatilla Tribal Police Department officer. A Pendleton School District employee who was at the casino at the time also suffered a gunshot wound.

  • On August 17, 2022, Vigil committed the armed robbery at the Wildhorse Casino.
  • On September 15, 2022, Vigil pleaded not guilty to the initial federal charges.
  • On December 19, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Vigil.
  • On April 7, 2026, Vigil pleaded guilty to attempted murder, robbery, and illegally possessing a firearm.
  • Vigil's sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2026.

The players

Javier Francisco Vigil

A 54-year-old Umatilla County man who pleaded guilty to attempted murder, robbery, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon related to the 2022 armed robbery of the Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

Umatilla Tribal Police Department

The tribal law enforcement agency that responded to the casino robbery and exchanged gunfire with Vigil.

Pendleton School District

The employer of a bystander who was shot and injured during the casino robbery incident.

U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon

The federal prosecutors who charged and secured the guilty plea from Vigil.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that investigated the casino robbery case along with the Umatilla Tribal Police Department.

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What’s next

Vigil's sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2026, where he faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, three years of post-prison supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of violent crime targeting tribal gaming facilities, which can be vulnerable to armed robberies due to their remote locations. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges of preventing violent crimes committed by those with prior felony convictions.