NY Sen. Chuck Schumer Calls for 'Swift' Review of JFK Airport Scare
The chaotic episode may have been sparked by Olympic celebrations.
— -- A federal lawmaker is questioning the security preparedness of New York City’s largest travel hub.
In the wake of a chaotic scene that erupted at John. F. Kennedy International Airport last week after false reports of shots fired, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., says he wants a “swift” review of the facility’s vulnerabilities.
Witnesses of the confusion-filled episode say they saw security personnel and travelers running on the tarmac.
Schumer said the probe should look at security training and interagency coordination, and he expressed concern about the information authorities shared with the public during the incident.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has said it will conduct a “thorough review” of what took place Aug. 14.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week called the incident “unfortunate" and said he wants a “full review of what happened.”
Two police sources told ABC News the cause may have been a 911 caller mistaking a loud celebration of Usain Bolt’s Olympic victory for something more nefarious.
Authorities said reports of shots fired shortly after 9:30 p.m. prompted an immediate shutdown of a terminal. Shortly after that, a second terminal and part of a highway leading to the airport were also shut down.
The ordeal lasted about three hours. Police found no evidence of gunshots, and no one was injured.