A violent altercation at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on Wednesday night escalated into a shooting, leaving two people injured by gunfire and another stabbed. The incident, which police described as stemming from a family dispute, occurred at an airport restaurant outside Terminal 4’s security checkpoints.
Incident Overview
The altercation took place at approximately 9:45 p.m. and involved multiple individuals who were reportedly known to each other. According to Phoenix police:
- A woman sustained life-threatening gunshot injuries and remains in critical condition.
- Two adult males were also injured, one from gunfire and another from a stabbing during the scuffle.
- Another individual received minor injuries, though the exact cause is still under investigation.
During the fight, one man pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots. Another man, armed with a knife, was injured while attempting to confront the shooter.
No Arrests Yet, Investigation Ongoing
No arrests have been made so far, and police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has been consulted about the incident.
Phoenix police Sgt. Mayra Reeson characterized the event as a “family dispute that escalated.” She explained that after the shooting, a man and a girl were detained in an airport parking garage nearby. However, their connection to the incident remains unclear.
Disruptions at the Airport
The shooting caused temporary disruptions at Sky Harbor Airport, a major U.S. travel hub:
- One security checkpoint in Terminal 4 was briefly closed.
- Several restaurants in the terminal were shut down.
- The PHX Sky Train station servicing the terminal paused operations.
“This was a scary incident, especially on Christmas evening when everyone is trying to get home,” Reeson said.
Unrelated Incident Adds to Chaos
Nearly two hours after the shooting, an unrelated event added to the tension at the airport. A man, responding to a text about a supposed active shooter, arrived at the terminal with firearms.
- The man handed over his guns to bystanders before approaching an officer.
- He ignored commands to stop, yelled at the officer, and spat on them during a struggle.
- The man was subdued and taken into custody, with no further incidents reported.
Sky Harbor Airport’s Importance
Sky Harbor Airport is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States, serving as a hub for American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. The incident highlights the heightened security concerns faced by major transit hubs, particularly during busy holiday seasons.
Police continue to investigate the family dispute, the circumstances leading to the shooting, and the involvement of all parties. The focus remains on understanding the motive and ensuring the safety of travelers.
