One killed, gunman shot dead at Los Angeles airport
July 4, 2002 Posted: 4:39 PM EDT (2039 GMT)
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- A gunman opened fire Thursday at Los Angeles International Airport near the ticket counter of Israel's El Al Airlines, officials said, killing a person at the counter before being killed by an airline security guard.At least two others were wounded in the attack, which occurred about 11:30 a.m. (2:30 p.m. EDT) Another person suffered stab wounds, but it was unclear who carried out the act, authorities said. Los Angeles police spokesman Alex Baez said police were investigating the possibility that another attacker was involved.
A sixth person was transported to the hospital after complaining of heart problems from witnessing the event.
LAPD Lt. Horace Frank said two people were being questioned by investigators in connection with the incident, and a "massive investigation" was under way.
"We don't know a motive," he said.
"At this time, there's no reason to believe the incident is terrorist-related," Frank added. But information was still sketchy Thursday afternoon, and the investigation is still in its earliest stages, he said.
The Tom Bradley International Terminal -- which is a separate building from the domestic terminals -- was shut down, LAPD spokesman Alex Baez said. Everyone inside was evacuated: Thousands of people were seen streaming out of the terminal, and traffic was stopped outside.
Police cars, ambulances and fire engines lined the road. FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown said air traffic for domestic flights at the airport continued to operate normally.
Frank said the first reports said a suspect opened fire on an individual near the El Al counter. The suspect in turn was killed by El Al security personnel, but other "innocent bystanders" were shot and some were seriously wounded.
El Al is the Israeli national carrier. It is known for its strict security measures. In the Bradley terminal, its ticket counter is in one of two banks of counters for a number of international airlines.
Thad Weimlein, who was checking into his flight on Korean Air, heard an initial barrage of between eight and 10 shots, before it paused. Then the firing resumed, he said.
"People were running and screaming and hitting the floor," Weimlein said. "There were a number of plainclothes policemen who pulled out their guns and badges at the same time."
After it was over, officers asked everyone in the area of the international ticket counters to file outside, he said...