NEWARK, NJ. (THECOUNT) — Alaska Airlines has issued a statement follow “chaos” that erupted at Newark Liberty International Airport on Monday night as rumors of an active shooter situation broke out inside the terminal.
The incident occured after an Alaska Airlines flight attendant, who was walking through Newark Terminal A at about 8:30 p.m., asked “a series of questions” of a pair of men sitting by one of the gates, reports BusinessInsider on Tuesday.
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Initial reports were that the two men fled; however, a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey — which operates the airport — said on Tuesday that the flight attendant was concerned after speaking with the two men, leading her to hit a security alarm and tell people to evacuate the area, BI reported.
The alarm triggered a panic throughout the terminal, as rumors of an active shooter proliferated almost instantly. 150-200 passengers “self-evacuated ramp-side” onto the tarmac, according to the Port Authority.
Passengers waiting for their flights fled through any exit they could, dropping their carry-on luggage and bags as they streamed out onto the airport’s tarmac.
Alaska Airlines statement:
“We sincerely apologize for the experience our guests and other airline passengers had at Newark last night. Alaska Airlines values the safety of our guests as our highest priority. We’re conducting a thorough investigation to determine what occurred. In the meantime, the impacted Alaska guests were provided hotel accommodations for the night and rebooked on a flight departing Newark this morning.”
Geo quick facts: Newark is a New Jersey city, home to Newark Liberty International Airport. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) hosts big-name concerts, dance performances and other shows. Newark Museum’s broad art collection features American paintings and sculptures. Branch Brook Park offers pathways, lakes and abundant cherry trees. The huge Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was built over decades, starting in 1898 – wikipedia.