On Wednesday evening, Phoenix police responded to a reported shooting at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This incident coincided with the peak travel period as many were either returning or departing for Christmas holiday celebrations.
According to airport officials, the report of gunshots was received shortly after 9:40 p.m. in Terminal 4.
Police announced on X just before midnight that there was no active threat at the airport. They also confirmed that no flights had been affected by the ongoing investigation.
“Detectives are on scene and conducting an initial review to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident,” the police stated on X.
Marvin Miller, who has worked as a cleaner at the airport for three years, reported hearing three successive gunshots around 9 p.m. from the lower level ticketing area of Terminal 4.
“I heard three shots, they were distinctly different from fireworks; gunshots have a very different sound,” said Miller, who had just finished his shift when he learned of the incident from his coworkers.
Miller expressed his concerns about airport safety, noting that anyone from outside could easily access the terminal.
In an emailed statement, airport spokesperson Eric Everts stated, “The Terminal 4A security checkpoint was temporarily closed, and PHX Sky Train operations were paused at Terminal 4 as a precaution.”
Everts did not provide information on any potential injuries, although TV news reports showed yellow crime scene tape around the terminal.
“The incident has been resolved, and operations are returning to normal. For additional information, please contact the police,” Everts added.
The east side of Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4 remained blocked off following the police situation.
The Phoenix Fire Department declined to comment, but fire Captain Rob McDade confirmed that the Phoenix police would be the lead agency handling the situation.