‘False shooter’ alert causes widespread panic at Orlando International Airport
A second major security scare since the beginning of this month erupted at Orlando International Airport, causing widespread panic among passengers waiting for flights.
A man was arrested after he attempted to breach a security checkpoint.
As he was about to be detained he reached into a pocket and his action caused an unknown bystander to yell that he had a gun.
There was no gun but it still caused ‘panic’ in the screening area, said police sergeant Eduardo Bernal.
Scores of people at the screening checkpoint hit the deck or fled into nearby stores to find cover, according to multiple social media posts uploaded shortly after.
Some even ran through the security screening area unchecked.
It forced the TSA to temporarily suspend screening for Gates 1-59, causing delays.
Ryan Scott Mills, 39, was arrested and is facing charges of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer without violence.
This is the second major security scare at the airport this month, after a woman was arrested trying to access through an off-limits employee entrance at the airport.
She was accused of assaulting security officers and police and was found to be in possession of a knife, but this incident didn’t lead to any operational disruption.
A few days before that, a TSA agent jumped to his death at the airport in view of travellers.
It caused long security delays and disrupted about 100 flights.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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