The shooting at the Atlanta airport on Saturday resulted from an accidental discharge of a firearm, but it caused holiday travelers to flee and seek cover as some believed there was a shooter inside one of the terminals.
There was no danger to passengers or employees at the airport, and no one was injured. The airport said there was an accident at the security screening area on Saturday.
The airport resumed normal operations about two hours later after officials gave an all clear.
During one of the busiest times of the year for air travel, there was a panic. According to the Transportation Security Administration, airline travel this Thanksgiving was expected to approach prepandemic levels.
The authorities didn't say how many shots were fired or who was responsible. The Atlanta Police Department was working to determine the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the weapon.
All departing flights at the airport were stopped for 35 minutes.
Some passengers shared on social media that they had to leave their flights. Those who had to leave the planes had to stay on the tarmac while they waited for more information.
The airport descended into chaos in the moments of confusion. There were stray suitcases, a spilled drink, and a toppled cart at the airport, according to images posted to social media.
People gathered at the departures area to block traffic as they waited for answers.
Mark Hager, an associate professor at Arizona State University, said that the airport was in "pandemonium" as he drove into it.
No one knew where to go, that's what a reporter with 12 News in Arizona said. Airport employees told passengers that there was an active shooter at the baggage claim.
Matthew Schwartz said he heard shots and people were running. I helped the woman stand up.
Amelia Swaggert, who was traveling to Atlanta, said on her account that she heard screams when she got off the plane.
She said that everyone was running through the terminal and that they were on the tarmac.
