A violent incident unfolded at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, leaving two individuals shot and another person stabbed, all stemming from what authorities describe as a family-related altercation.
The Phoenix Police Department reported that the shooting took place around 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday in a restaurant located outside the security zone in Terminal 4, a bustling area of the airport.
The victims include a woman and two adult males. Authorities revealed that the woman suffered life-threatening injuries and, as of Thursday, remained in critical condition.
Meanwhile, the three others transported to the hospital received treatment and were later discharged. No arrests have been made so far, as police continue to investigate the details surrounding the incident. Discussions with county prosecutors are ongoing, according to law enforcement.
The altercation involved individuals who were all acquainted, escalating from a physical confrontation to a violent exchange when one person pulled out a firearm. “I believe this was an escalating family dispute,” stated Phoenix Police Sgt. Mayra Reeson during a press briefing.
She explained that during the altercation, a man fired multiple shots, hitting the woman and another male who was reportedly armed with a knife. This second man, wielding the blade, subsequently injured the shooter. A third male suffered minor injuries during the melee.
Initially, authorities reported that three individuals were struck by gunfire but later clarified that only two were shot. Details about how the injuries were sustained remain somewhat unclear, with questions lingering over whether another person may have been stabbed.
Following the shooting, police detained a man and a girl in a parking garage adjacent to the airport. However, officials have not disclosed why the group was present at the airport or whether they were traveling for the holidays or another purpose. The incident led to significant disruptions at Sky Harbor Airport.
A security checkpoint in Terminal 4 was temporarily shut down, and several restaurants in the area ceased operations. The PHX Sky Train station also experienced service interruptions as authorities secured the area and conducted their investigation.
“This was certainly alarming; it happened on Christmas evening when everyone is trying to return home,” Sgt. Reeson remarked. The chaos on what is typically a joyful and busy travel day added to the incident’s gravity, raising concerns about airport security during the holiday season.
Adding to the tension, a separate, unrelated event occurred approximately two hours after the initial shooting. According to Reeson, another man arrived at the airport armed with guns after reportedly receiving a text message suggesting there was an active shooter situation at Sky Harbor.
Investigators stated that the man handed his firearms to others upon arrival and approached an officer, shouting commands and refusing to comply with instructions to halt.
The situation escalated as officers subdued him on the ground, during which he spat on one of them. This second incident underscored the heightened state of anxiety at the airport following the earlier violence.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States. It serves as a crucial hub for American Airlines and facilitates connections for passengers flying with Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
The disruptions caused by these incidents affected numerous travelers during one of the year’s busiest travel times, adding further frustration and concern for passengers trying to reach their destinations.
The police later issued a clarification regarding earlier reports, correcting the initial information that three individuals had been shot. The updated report confirmed that only two people sustained gunshot wounds. This revision reflects findings from the Phoenix Police Department’s ongoing investigation.
The incident highlights a broader issue of public safety in crowded transportation hubs, particularly during peak travel periods. As airports see increased traffic during holidays, incidents like these raise questions about how such spaces can remain secure while accommodating large numbers of travelers.
Jeff Martin from the Associated Press contributed to the coverage of this story, providing additional context from Atlanta. The event at Sky Harbor serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for violence in any setting, even places meant to facilitate connection and travel during festive times.