On Wednesday, reports of a violent incident involving gunfire and a stabbing at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4 stirred concerns. Social media platforms and local sources detailed a significant police presence at the scene, although official statements from authorities are still pending.
According to a responder on the Citizen App, a 911 call reported that at least three people were shot during the incident. Fox News later confirmed that a section of Terminal 4 had been cordoned off with caution tape. Additionally, the network revealed that the airport implemented a shelter-in-place order for about an hour. Witnesses stated that a woman was removed from the scene on a stretcher.
Eyewitness accounts on social media added to the unfolding narrative. One user shared that their sister, who had just landed at the airport, confirmed hearing about a shooting. The user posted, “Christmas shooting at PHX Sky Harbor airport. Seems to be developing. My sister just landed in PHX a bit ago and said there was a shooting. This is what I could find.”
Another individual described the situation as grim, posting: “Sad situation unfolding at Sky Harb or Airport Terminal 4 on Christmas day. Reportedly 3 people are shot with 1 possible deceased. Unknown if this was in the public section of the terminal or an isolated incident.”
A third person noted the extensive police presence at the airport, stating, “HEAVY police presence at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor airport… reports of multiple shots fired at Terminal 4.”
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a civil-military public international airport located near downtown Phoenix in Maricopa County, Arizona, is one of the busiest hubs in the region. As of now, the motives and specifics behind the incident remain unclear.
Authorities are expected to release more information as investigations proceed. The incident has raised concerns about holiday travel safety, especially during a peak period like Christmas.