TSA agent killed as gunman opens fire at Los Angeles airport
Photo from twitter of the crime scene after shoot out at LAX. ...more >
A Transportation Security Administration was killed during a shooting rampage inside Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, authorities said.
The shooter opened fire with a rifle inside the terminal, killing one agent and and injuring three others, NBC Los Angeles reported.
NBC News reported that the gunman, identified as 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia of Los Angeles, was shot by police.
Despite earlier reports, the shooter is not believed to be an off-duty TSA employee.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said President Obama has been briefed on the shooting.
The president will continue to receive information to stay up-to-date on the incident. Mr. Carney said he had no information other than what’s already been reported by sources on the ground.
The shooter was able to slide past security and release a round of shots inside Terminal 3 at about 9 a.m., the New York Daily News reported.
Police swarmed, evacuating the port.
One witness said he was taking a nap when he was awakened by the sound of gunfire and panicked people, CNN reported.
“I heard a popping sound and everybody was diving for cover,” said the man, Robert Perez, to CNN. “The TSA said there was a shooting in the terminal and to evacuate the building.”
Mr. Perez said he saw about 100 people fleeing down the stairs.
“Everybody started to panic,” he said.
• Jacqueline Klimas contributed to this article.
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