Authorities Say Gunfire at Atlanta Airport Was ‘Accidental Discharge’


Officials said the gunfire at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday was caused by the “accidental discharge” of a firearm, but prompted vacationers to flee and seek cover, as some believe there was a gunman inside one of the terminals.

The airport said on Twitter: there was no armed or danger to passengers or employeesand said no one was hurt. The airport said an “accidental evacuation” occurred in the airport’s security screening area around 1:30pm on Saturday.

Officials said “everything is clean” and resumed normal operations after about two hours. said airport.

The panic occurred during one of the busiest times of the year for air travel, when millions of people are expected to fly for Thanksgiving. Transportation Security Administration said on Wednesday this airline trip was this Thanksgiving expected to approach pre-pandemic levels.

Authorities did not specify how many shots were fired or who was responsible. Sergeant. Atlanta Police Department spokesman Jarius Daugherty said officers were “working to determine the circumstances” regarding the unloading of the gun.

The Federal Aviation Administration said all departure flights at the airport were suspended for 35 minutes.

some passengers shared on social media He said they had to get off their departing flight to be re-screened. Videos It also showed that those who were supposed to get off the plane should stay on the tarmac while waiting for more information.

In moments of turmoil, it’s like the airport descend into chaos. In the images shared on social media, it was seen that a part of the airport was evacuated, with stray suitcases, a spilled drink and an overturned car are among those left behind.

outside the airport, People gathered in the departure area, blocking some traffic Passengers await answers.

Mark Hager, associate professor at Arizona State University, tweeted out was in the “pandemonium” when entering the airport.

Adriana Loya, a reporter for 12 News in Arizona, said on Twitter that no one knows where to go. Airport employees said he told passengers he was an “active shooter” at baggage claim at Terminal T.

“I just escaped the delta terminal in a stampede,” said Matthew Schwartz, another eyewitness. tweeted out“I heard squeaks and then people ran away. I helped a woman get up.”

Another passenger traveling to Atlanta, Amelia Swaggert said in a tweet He said he “heard screams right away” when he got off the flight.

“Everybody was passing through the terminal and we’re on the asphalt now,” he said.





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