PHOENIX — A shooting incident at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport resulted in two individuals being shot and another person suffering from stab wounds, all stemming from a family-related confrontation, according to local police.
The event took place around 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday at a restaurant located in Terminal 4, outside of security measures. Authorities reported that two adult males and one female were caught in the crossfire, with the woman sustaining life-threatening injuries.
As of Thursday, the woman remained in critical condition, while three other individuals who were hospitalized for treatment had since been released. Following discussions with county prosecutors, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Investigators indicated that those involved knew each other and became engaged in a physical altercation, which escalated to one individual drawing a firearm. “This appears to stem from a familial dispute that grew out of hand,” remarked Phoenix police Sgt. Mayra Reeson during a briefing. During the skirmish, a gun was discharged multiple times, resulting in injuries to a woman and a male who, armed with a knife, managed to cut the shooter. Authorities also indicated that another male sustained minor injuries.
Initially, police reported that three individuals were shot, but they later clarified that only two were victims of gunfire, with uncertainty surrounding whether another injured party was hit with a bullet or cut.
Following the shooting, a man and a child were taken into custody in a nearby airport parking garage. The reason for their presence at the airport has not been disclosed, nor has it been determined whether they were traveling or present for an entirely different purpose.
The shooting disruption prompted the temporary closure of a security checkpoint at Terminal 4, alongside the shutdown of several dining establishments and a halt in services at the terminal’s PHX Sky Train station. “This is understandably alarming, happening on Christmas evening when many are trying to return home,” Reeson added.
In a separate incident, occurring nearly two hours after the shooting, a man arrived at the airport carrying firearms. According to Reeson, this individual received a message suggesting there was an active shooter at the airport.
Investigators allege that the man surrendered his weapons to others present at the airport before approaching an officer. He reportedly shouted at the officer and failed to comply with commands, resulting in a physical encounter in which the officer subdued the man. Reports indicate he spat at the officer during the struggle.
Sky Harbor Airport stands as one of the busiest commercial airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for American Airlines and a principal connecting point for travelers on Southwest and Frontier Airlines.
This report updates the information regarding the number of gunshot victims at the airport, correcting it to two, as opposed to the three initially reported.
