Travellers are awaiting direction from authorities at LAX Airport after an emergency evacuation earlier today in response to reports of an “active shooter”.
The gateway was cleared when travellers allegedly heard gunshots being fired. LA Airport PD said in a Tweet that police were investigating the situation, but could not confirm reports of an active shooter.
In the meantime, “all precautions are being taken” to ensure passenger safety and authorities are urging the public to “remain calm”.
Among the travellers at the airport at the time of the incident was NBC anchor Lester Holt, who jumped on social media to explain how swiftly police moved holidaymakers out of the building and on to the tarmac.
Holt said he was disembarking a flight when people “started pouring out of term 4 onto Tarmac”. He continued, saying security could then be heard saying “shots fired. Run!”.
Arriving at LAX off flight when people started pouring out of term 4 onto Tarmac. Security said "shots fired. Run!" Now in vehicle on taxiwy
— Lester Holt (@LesterHoltNBC) August 29, 2016
Other Twitters users inside the gateway complimented authorities on moving quickly to ensure travellers were safe. One social media user even said it was “the fastest response” he could have imagine.
Police working hard to keep us safe #lax fastest response I could have imagined pic.twitter.com/xkec8cWn52
— Kenny Stavert (@TheRedBari) August 29, 2016
Another traveller said they were told to “run out” and were asked to stand on the tarmac until given further instructions.
Active #shooter in #LAX. We all had to run out. We're standing on the tarmac waiting for instructions. pic.twitter.com/mxCDxXfPOL
— Deeterlee (@twitta_D) August 29, 2016
Douglas Lee also confirmed in a series of picture tweets that passengers have since been allowed back into the gateway and are eager to get home.
“Spirits are high. Sounds of laughter. Looks like everyone just wants to get home now. Bathroom line is LONG.”
Douglas Lee/Twitter
Last week, a similar evacuation took place a New York’s JFK when travellers thought they heard gun shots.