Suspect shot, in custody at LAX after TSA agent and others were fired upon.
A gunman opened fire at a security checkpoint Friday morning at Los Angeles International Airport, injuring at least three people — including a TSA employee — and forcing a terminal evacuation. Initial reports indicated that a gunman approached a document checker, then pulled a firearm and fired one shot at the security officer. Several travelers said they heard gunfire in Tom Bradley Terminal. A medical triage area was established outside the terminal, but details regarding the conditions of the injured victims were not immediately available.
The shooting was reported at about 9:20 a.m. A camera positioned above the upper level road at LAX showed travelers running from the Tom Bradley Terminal, where passengers depart and arrive for international flights. Officers escorted people, some in wheelchairs, from the terminal to the triage area. Several ambulances responded to the location on the departure level. LAPD issued a tactical alert, meaning all personnel will remain on duty until the situation has been resolved.
Roads near the airport are closed for the investigation. Some travelers exited their vehicles and began walking to the airport with their luggage. As incoming flights land, they are subject to a ground-stop order.
The shooting comes more than 10 years after a gunman walked up to a ticket counter for Israel’s national airline, El Al, at LAX, killing two and wounding four in a July 4th terrorist attack. President Barack Obama was briefed on the situation, according to authorities. Continue to refresh this page for updates.
– Scott Randell (@DefinedByMvsic)