USDA backs off demands for Roy Horn tape
Published 9:00 pm Tuesday, September 14, 2004
LAS VEGAS – After threats of legislation by Nevada’s senators, the Agriculture Department has abandoned attempts to get a videotape of the tiger attack on illusionist Roy Horn in Las Vegas last year.
The USDA had sought the tape as part of its investigation into the incident, but reluctantly agreed instead to just view the footage, a USDA official said Tuesday, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
“The USDA is no longer seeking possession of the tape,” the official said.
Horn was mauled by a 380-pound tiger during a live performance on Oct. 3 at The Mirage hotel-casino. He survived but remains partially paralyzed.
USDA spokesman Jim Rogers declined to talk about the case but did say the USDA will “pursue every piece of evidence we can.”
A spokeswoman for Sen. Harry Reid, Tessa Hafen, confirmed Tuesday that the USDA had agreed to only view the video.
