There is “substantial presence” of New York Police Department at the JFK and LaGuardia airports and the investigation “continues”, said the Port Authority, which manages the city’s airports.
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JFK’s Terminal 8 was evacuated while emergency crews inspected the scene.
American Airlines closed its ticket counter at JFK as a result of the incident and is working with local authorities, spokeswoman Victoria Lupica said by telephone.
Authorities said reports of the shooting emerged at “around 9.30pm” U.S. time – the same time that Bolt won his 100m race and took home an incredible third-straight gold medal. Police went floor-to-floor to clear the airport and ensure there was nothing to be found, a source said.
Trouble started after two persons told police they heard what they thought were gun shots.
A ground stop was in place until 12:30 am (0430 GMT) for “security” reasons, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
There were no injuries reported.
More than 50 million passengers travelled through the airport in 2014.
Photos posted to Twitter during the evacuation showed a swarm of people scampering to the exits, while armed police reportedly investigate and search for a suspect.
Authorities say travelers at New York’s Kennedy Airport cheering and loudly celebrating Usain Bolt’s Olympic 100-meter dash victory might have prompted ultimately unfounded reports of gunshots there. Law enforcement officials said it’s possible that hoax 911 calls and word of mouth led to the panic.
An official told NBC News that cheering, clapping and banging from people watching the Olympics may have been misinterpreted as a fight and gunshots.
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Port Authority police called in officers from the New York Police Department to assist with the investigation.
