False Alarm Prompts Evacuations at LAX
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Last night, passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) received word of gunfire inside terminals 6, 7 and 8 around 8:45pm. Police acted fast, setting up a command post and not allowing anyone to enter the central terminal area. The panic caused all flight operations on the airport’s two southern runways to be halted for about a half hour due to passengers evacuating from the terminal onto the restricted runway area.
False reports of shots fired at LAX prompts evacuation of some passengers https://t.co/4v8aQKbM6x
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) August 29, 2016
LAX’s official Twitter account was very active during the whole ordeal, unlike the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s account, which was comparatively quiet during a similar false alarm situation at New York’s JFK Airport two weeks ago.
Upper/Departures & Lower/Arrivals levels of Central Terminal Area (CTA) closed. Pls check w/ airlines if heading to LAX
— LAX Airport (@flyLAXairport) August 29, 2016
After about two hours, it was clear that the reports of gunfire were unsubstantiated and people were allowed to re-enter the terminals after being re-screened.
All terminals have been cleared and passengers are proceeding through federal security screening in all terminals.
— LAX Airport (@flyLAXairport) August 29, 2016
The all-clear to re-enter the terminals comes after the Los Angeles Airport Police Department had apprehended a suspect dressed in a Zorro costume. It’s still unclear whether the the individual was connected to the gunfire scare or not.
Individual in Zorro costume has been detained by @LAAirportPD
— LAX Airport (@flyLAXairport) August 29, 2016
Oh, and here’s a video of Zorro:
BREAKING NEWS: Before things got really crazy – a man in a Zorro costume with a plastic sword was arrested. #LAX pic.twitter.com/hIOUykdog5
— Nebeel (@hyp3rfr3ak) August 29, 2016
After several attacks at major European airports and another false alarm at JFK, US airports have been on high alert. At this point, it seems that the panic was caused by miscommunication about “some young individuals that were in the terminal area,” according to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, but reports of an attack can’t be ignored, and authorities acted accordingly by evacuating terminals and blocking entry for a period of time.
H/T: Los Angeles Times, Sam Macon
Featured image of LAX courtesy of Shutterstock.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at US restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Accelerate your path to Medallion Status, with Status Boost®. Plus, in 2021 you can earn even more bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help you reach Medallion Status.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.