Posted on 11/01/2013 3:02:42 PM PDT by BenLurkin
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A TSA agent was killed and several other people were injured Friday in a shooting at Los Angeles International Airport, police said.
CBS News’ John Miller said the gunman, who was outfitted in camouflage, entered Terminal 3 at 9:20 a.m. and opened fire.
Preliminary information suggests he was targeting TSA employees, according to Miller.
The suspect pulled an assault rifle — possibly an AR-15 — out of his bag, started shooting and proceeded to the TSA screening area, where he was able to gain access to the airport itself, according to Chief Patrick Gannon of Los Angeles World Airports.
Personnel officers followed the man, engaged in gunfire with him, and were subsequently able to take him into custody, Gannon said.
The Associated Press reports the suspect had a hand-written note with him that said he “wanted to kill TSA and pigs.”
Multiple sources say the alleged gunman, who was believed to be working alone, has been identified as 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia of Pennsville, New Jersey.
A 40-year-old TSA officer was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, a federal official told CBS News.
At least six other people were injured and treated at the scene. Five of them were taken to local hospitals, officials said. Three of them were transported to UCLA Medical Center, where one of them were listed in critical condition and two others were said to be in fair condition.
“We are sickened by reports of today’s shooting at the Los Angeles International Airport,” TSA Union Leader J. David Cox Sr. said. “Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to the passengers and Transportation Security Officers killed or injured in this heinous act. Thank you to all of our brave TSOs who put their lives on the line every day to keep the flying public safe. AFGE is monitoring the situation along with TSA management.”
Terminal 3 was evacuated and cordoned off and arrival and departure roads to the airport, in addition to Century Boulevard, were closed. All airport exits from the 105 and 405 freeways were also shut down.
The airport partially reopened at 1 p.m., but delays were expected to last through Friday night.
Thx!
Curious, have you seen any info as to how he came into possession of the weapon?
Apparently he moved to LA about two years ago from NJ. I was wondering if he brought
it with him or acquired it after arriving in LA. I Haven’t seen anything in the news
but then I haven’t looked that closely.
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