Friday morning (Pacific time), a gunman pulled a rifle from a bag and began shooting. The authorities pursued the assailant through Terminal 3 before shooting and capturing him.
Among the victims, one person has been confirmed dead, some others injured.
According to reports, the shooting has rendered LAX, among the busiest airports in the world, into a practical no fly zone. There has been a “ground stop” for all arriving flights, and nearly every flight scheduled to leave Los Angeles is expected to be “significantly late.”
A few NBA athletes have taken notice of the incident and have offered their thoughts and prayers.
Shocked by the shooting at LAX this morning. My thoughts and prayers go to the victims of this terrible incident.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) November 1, 2013
Thoughts and prayers going out to any and everyone involved in the shooting at LAX this morning…
— DeAndre Jordan (@deandrejordan) November 1, 2013
Sad day at LAX today I’m praying for everybody affected
— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) November 1, 2013
Additionally, Fox Sports NBA Insider Bill Reiter was at LAX this morning when the incident occurred. Being a reporter with a smartphone, he has kept his followers abreast of the situation at the airport.
I was at the Virgin terminal at LAX when gunfire broke out. Many of us have run on the tarmac. I don’t know what’s happening but I’m fine.
— Bill Reiter (@foxsportsreiter) November 1, 2013
The scene on Tarmac. Fear, tears, prayers, confusion, worry. pic.twitter.com/pNWETcw7zW
— Bill Reiter (@foxsportsreiter) November 1, 2013
When gunfire broke out there was a stampede people, all of us hiding under seats we didn’t fit under, we burst through the door to outside.
— Bill Reiter (@foxsportsreiter) November 1, 2013
An LAX employee just told me there was a shooting at the airport in the terminal. I asked if t/shooter was down he said he couldn’t tell me.
— Bill Reiter (@foxsportsreiter) November 1, 2013
That is a kind of fear unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. In those moments, it’s true, you think about your kids and your your wife
— Bill Reiter (@foxsportsreiter) November 1, 2013
There are alarms sounding and a police helicopter overhead. People all over the tarmac, getting too close to the planes, being ushered back
— Bill Reiter (@foxsportsreiter) November 1, 2013