The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has responded to a lawsuit filed this morning by Attorney General Luther Strange in Elmore County Circuit Court to try to shut down the Poach casinos in the state.

Here is Poarch’s statement:

“The lawsuit filed today by Luther Strange has no legal merit. First, as a federally recognized sovereign Indian nation, Poarch Creek’s land is governed by federal, not state law.

“While we respect Mr. Strange’s attempts to fulfill his duties as State Attorney General, he is not a federal official and therefore, has no jurisdiction or enforcement authority over tribal land or tribal gaming operations. Secondly, the machines that are in use at all of PCI Gaming’s casinos are electronic bingo (Class II gaming machines) and are legal under federal law.

“While Mr. Strange may target Victory Land and any other gaming facility in the State, this lawsuit against Poarch filed in Circuit Court is yet another example of Mr. Strange refusing to recognize the sovereignty of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.”