Jul 25, 2022 - News

Suspect in custody after Dallas Love Field Airport shooting

Photo: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A woman is in custody after police say she fired a gun at Dallas Love Field Monday morning.

The latest: The woman, identified by police as 37-year-old Portia Odufuwa, was dropped off near the Southwest ticketing counter at Love Field around 11am, Dallas police chief Eddie Garcia said at a news conference.

  • After going to the women's bathroom she emerged wearing what appeared to be a hoodie and started firing into the ticket counter area with a handgun, per police.
  • An officer shot and hit her "lower extremities," and the suspect was then taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital for treatment and remains under police custody, according to Garcia.
  • No one else was hurt during the incident.

State of play: The shooting quickly led to a nightmare for travelers and airport officials.

  • A ground stop was issued, and flights that were preparing to land were diverted to other airports.
  • Flights that had already boarded and were preparing for takeoff were instructed to stay put.

Threat level: Hundreds of people, including airline employees and airport staff, were told to evacuate the airport so law enforcement could conduct a security sweep.

  • Once the building was deemed safe, TSA screened everyone before letting them inside the airport.
  • Dozens of flights were either canceled or delayed.

What we're watching: Authorities haven't yet provided details on the possible motive or who dropped the suspect off at Love Field.

  • The FBI is now helping with the investigation.

Flashback: It could have been worse.

  • In 2013, a man walked up to a security checkpoint at Los Angeles International Airport, fatally shooting a TSA officer and injuring three other people.
  • LAX travelers had to be evacuated and re-screened then too. Over 167,000 people were affected by cancellations, delays or diversions to other airports because of the shooting.
  • The man is now serving a life sentence.
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