Dominic Smithers
A US airport has been put on lockdown today after a woman allegedly opened fire.
Local police were called to Dallas Love Field Airport following reports of gunfire this morning (25 July). A 37-year-old woman was shot in the leg by police after allegedly firing a handgun inside the airport.
Dallas Police chief Eddie Garcia told the media that the woman went into a bathroom at around 11am (local time), came out wearing a hoodie, and began shooting at ceiling.
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Discussing the situation during a press conference, Garcia did not disclose the woman's name.
He said: "At this point, we don’t know where exactly the individual was aiming. We wanted to ensure that our community knows that this is not an active situation."
She has since been taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital for treatment, where she remains.
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The authorities confirmed in a tweet that the 'terminal is secure' and the Federal Aviation Administration has put a ground stop in place. It is understood that it will be lifted at 1.30pm.
No one else but the alleged shooter was injured during the incident.
Footage shared on social media showed the chaos sparked by the gunfire, with crowds of people seen hiding under tables and chairs.
Speaking to CNN, Michael Loewinsohn said he had just got off his flight from Denver and was walking toward baggage claim when the woman opened fire.
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He told the outlet: "I saw a massive amount of people running up from security checkpoint and people yelling 'shooter.
"TSA employees rushed us out of a side door and just started sprinting away from the building."
Adding: "We're just told there was a shooter and we are going to need to stay outside for a bit."
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According to reports, flights that have already landed have not yet proceeded to their gates.
The Transport Security Administration (TSA) said that all travellers are currently being rescreened through a security checkpoint.
A spokesperson for the agency said: "Understand that will take time, so be patient because number of passengers at checkpoint has just increased exponentially."
Love Field is around six miles northwest of downtown Dallas and serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines.