Oklahoma City airport closed after at least 1 shot; suspect at large

A sign reading "Oklahoma City" is lit up at dusk near a terminal at Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport. At least one person was shot at the facility on Tuesday, authorities said, which prompted the temporary closure of the airport as officers searched for the suspect. Photo courtesy Will Rogers World Airport

OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 15 (UPI) — Will Rogers World Airport halted all arrivals and departures on Tuesday afternoon as authorities investigated a shooting and searched for a suspect, officials said.

Oklahoma City police said a man was shot in a parking lot at the airport, but the nature of his wounds was not immediately clear. OKCPD Capt. Paco Balderrama said officers are investigating reports of a second victim.

The perpetrator was not immediately captured, although officers scoured the airport and its premises in search of the shooter.

“We are continuing to advise travelers, staff and visitors to shelter-in-place as OKCPD investigates a shooting incident on [airport] property.,” the airport said in a tweet.

“We have confirmed one victim shot at Will Rogers Airport. Please avoid going to the airport at this time. We will keep you posted,” Oklahoma City police added. “The airport remains closed at this time and all flights in and out have been suspended.”

Will Rogers is the busiest airport in Oklahoma and handles about 4 million passengers per year. Named for iconic western actor and comedian Will Rogers, who is often known as “Oklahoma’s favorite son,” it is mostly served by Southwest Airlines.

Oklahoma City’s other main airport, Wiley Post Airport, was not affected by the shooting.

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