JFK’s Terminal 8 was evacuated while emergency crews inspected the scene.
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However, Port Authority police are evacuating the terminal at this time to be cautious, Pentangelo said.
The Port Authority of NY and New Jersey said a partial evacuation was ordered “as a precaution”, NBC News reports.
The reports, which led to some frightening moments for fliers Sunday night, were later determined to be unfounded and the airport was given the all-clear.
All affected terminals at the NY airport were evacuated and searched after reports of gunfire spread panic Sunday evening.
The Port Authority of NY and New Jersey says things are getting back to normal at JFK Airport after reports of gunfire led to evacuations and flight delays Sunday night. The Van Wyck Expressway, a nearby highway, was closed to add further security and help prevent the situation from further getting out of hand. A ground stop was also ordered for planes at the airport.
Multiple calls came in around 9:30 p.m. local time (01:30 UTC) of shots fired near the departures area of Terminal 8, reported local media.
Two people had told police they heard what they thought were shots fired, law enforcement sources said.
While it hasn’t been confirmed that it was for sure fans’ reactions that caused the commotion, a Port Authority Police Department spokesman said the incident was “not a hoax”, according to The Huffington Post.
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One witness told us that some folks at the airport was watching the race and an entire section erupted when Bolt crossed the finish line ahead of American sprinter Justin Gatlin.
