Tense Moments Described at Houston Airport Following Shooting

A shooting at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston produced tense scenes for travelers and a closure of one of the airport’s terminals on Thursday afternoon. One person was said to be shot and facing life-threatening injuries.

The Houston Police Department used its Facebook page to provide some details about the incident:

About 1:35 p.m. today, a report of shots fired at Bush Intercontinental Airport was received by HPD at Terminal B. A lone armed male has suffered at least one gunshot wound and has been transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries. There are no other reports of injuries nor other persons involved. Further information will be posted as it is confirmed.

A subsequent comment from the police department added that the man “was near a ticket counter, pre-screening” when the shooting occurred.

Some travelers at the airport share their experiences on Twitter of the moment when the shooting occurred.

Looks like they have apprehended the shooter at #iah It was 50 yards from me. Multiple shots. Dove in a corner with others. Scary stuff

â€" Pat Price (@WritingAboutRun) 2 May 13

Rebecca McCormick, a traveler at the airport who described herself as a syndicated journalist on her Twitter profile, also interviewed some witnesses in Houston who heard the shooting and described what they saw:

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The shooting incident prompted the airport to announce the indefinite closure of its Terminal B:

A law enforcement incident is currently unfolding in Terminal B. T/B is closed at this time. Passengers being redirected to other terminals.

â€" Houston Bush Airport (@iah) 2 May 13

While no motive or chain of events leading to the shooting was offered by authorities, a news organization noted that the National Rifle Association will begin its three-day national convention in Houston on Friday.