Reported ‘shooter’ causes panic at LAX airport

Police in Los Angeles, California, have launched an extensive investigation into reports of an active shooter at the LAX Airport that prompted massive evacuation.

Security officials placed the international airport on a temporary lockdown on Sunday night, after receiving reports of an ongoing shooting at terminal 8.

Unconfirmed reports stated that people had barricaded themselves inside a café as a safety measure.

However, police and other security agencies found no evidence of a shooter.

“Report of shooting at Los Angeles International Airport proven to be loud noises; no shots fired but investigation continues to locate source,” LA police said in a tweet.

Upon receiving the initial reports, police had evacuated all passengers to the tarmac, but allowed them back into terminal for re-screening.

“Police searching LAX after reports. All precautions being taken to ensure safety of public. Remain calm. Thank you for your cooperation,” the airport police had first said in a tweet.

Social media footage pointed to mass evacuations and a heavy presence of security forces at the LAX. It was not immediately known if anyone was shot.

The Los Angeles Fire Department also responded to the scene and tweeted that “no significant incident” has been noted.

The situation also caused a massive traffic jam at and around the airport.

The apparent false alarm comes only two weeks after a similar one at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

In that incident, people also called security forces after they thought a shooting was unfolding. Soon after that, various social media networks were flooded with footage of chaos at the airport.

No shooter was found there either.