“loud noises only,” says police.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday night after police reported of an active shooter in the terminal.
According to CBS News, the Los Angeles Police Department said that the reports of the shooter had come from two callers, but there was no confirmation of what exactly happening.
Later, the police have confirmed that there were no shots fired at the airport and the reports had been proven to be “loud noises only.”
An investigation is underway to locate the source of the noise, Los Angeles police tweeted.
The airport’s Twitter handle had said sections of the terminal were closed for passengers at the moment as police searches are underway. “Upper/Departures & Lower/Arrivals levels of Central Terminal Area (CTA) closed.” The airport has now asked passengers to check with airlines for the status of their flights as many could be delayed due to partial shutdown. “Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for flight status.”
Amid rumours of a possible shooting, social media posts and TV news show many people fleeing from the Airport. Scores of people could be seen running from the terminal out on to the sidewalks and streets. Many other evacuees are standing on the airport tarmac.
“People started dropping bags and running out of the terminal… Panic spread,” Actress Anne Dudek of Santa Monica, who was one of the travellers who fled from Terminal 7 after her United Airlines flight arrived about 8.30pm, told Los Angeles Times.
Dudek also said that she did not hear any shots, but decided to leave Terminal 7. She ran across the street, headed through the parking structure and made her way to the area near southwest Airlines. She eventually made it to her parked car and left the airport.
Social Media Updates:
Report of shooting at LAX proven to be LOUD NOISES only No Shots Fired No Injuries investigation continues to locate source
— Andy Neiman (@LAPDNeiman) August 29, 2016
Police searching LAX after reports. All precautions being taken to ensure safety of public. Remain calm. Thank you for your cooperation
— LA Airport PD (@LAAirportPD) August 29, 2016
Police working hard to keep us safe #lax fastest response I could have imagined pic.twitter.com/xkec8cWn52
— Kenny Stavert (@TheRedBari) August 29, 2016