Gunfire broke out near John F. Kennedy International Airport early Tuesday morning after a Customs and Border Protection officer opened fire during a heated confrontation that authorities say stemmed from a traffic crash, prompting an investigation and causing significant disruptions for travelers.
According to authorities, shots were fired near Terminal 8 at approximately 4:48 a.m., during the early-morning travel rush.
The sound of gunfire rattled the area as airport traffic was already building.
One vehicle was struck by gunfire, but officials said no injuries were reported.
ABC7 reported that despite the discharge of a firearm, no bystanders or motorists were wounded.
Port Authority police said the incident originated from what appeared to be a road rage dispute following a minor traffic accident on a nearby highway leading into the airport.
Two vehicles were involved in the crash, which occurred before the shooting.
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Officers who responded to the scene encountered an on-duty Customs and Border Protection officer who told investigators that he had been assaulted by the other driver involved in the crash.
BREAKING: Gunfire at JFK Airport Terminal 8 after an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer reported being assaulted following a minor crash and fired his duty weapon multiple times, this morning, according to officials. Investigation is ongoing
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According to authorities, the officer reported that the confrontation escalated after the accident and that he discharged his service weapon multiple times during the encounter.
The circumstances surrounding the use of force remain under review, and investigators have not indicated whether any charges will be filed.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that it is leading the investigation into the shooting.
Authorities said the review will examine the sequence of events leading up to the gunfire, including the initial crash, the reported assault, and the officer’s decision to discharge his weapon.
Traffic into JFK Airport was significantly impacted in the aftermath of the incident.
The shooting caused major delays on the Van Wyck Expressway, one of the primary routes into the airport.
Officials were forced to funnel incoming traffic into a single lane as law enforcement secured the scene and conducted their investigation.
The lane closures and traffic restrictions led to backups stretching along the expressway, complicating access to the airport for travelers and airport employees during a peak period.
Some motorists experienced lengthy delays as police worked to clear the area and ensure there was no ongoing threat.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting did not take place inside the airport terminals and that airport operations continued despite the traffic disruptions.
Terminal 8, which serves several major international carriers, remained open, though access to the terminal was affected by the roadway congestion.
Port Authority officials said the investigation remains active and that additional information will be released once the facts are fully established.
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