Terminal 8 at New York’s JFK Airport was evacuated earlier today after reports of gun shots being fired in the gateway.
However, Port Authority NY&NJ have confirmed in a tweet that preliminary investigations indicate no shots were fired at JFK and that the evacuation was an act of caution.
“At this time, no gun shells or other evidence of shots fired has been found.”
Port Authority NY&NJ
“The terminal was evacuated out of an abundance of caution.”
No injuries have been reported despite mass hysteria as travellers attempted to escape the building.
The port authority’s statement revealed that both JFK and LaGuardia are now guarded with extra PAPD and NYPD.
“Travellers should contact their carriers,” the authority recommended.
Statement regarding situation at John F. Kennedy International Airport. #JFK #PAPD @PANYNJ @NY_NJairports pic.twitter.com/eOBR0UnzVY
— Port Authority of NY & NJ (@PANYNJ) August 15, 2016
Reports of shots being fired came in at around 9.30pm (local time), with witnesses saying they heard two loud bangs fired in the terminal.
One traveller said everyone was told “to get on the floor and take cover”. He described the scene as a “madhouse” as people ran around attempting to leave the terminal.
