A discharged gun caused a panic at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Saturday afternoon.
Though there were rumors that the gunshot heard was from an active shooter, the airport confirmed in a tweet that the gun went off accidentally.
“There is not an active shooter. There was an accidental discharge at the Airport. There is no danger to passengers or employees. An investigation is ongoing, more information will be published on this channel,” said the airport’s statement.
“At approximately 1:30 p.m. today a weapon accidently discharged at ATL’s security screening area. There is NOT an active shooter at the airport,” the airport continued.
Atlanta Police Department officers were at the scene as of 2:38 p.m.
Travelers at the airport posted videos of panicked people after the discharge. These videos began circulating on social media.
According to the CBC, a 2014 law passed in Georgia allows people to carry firearms “in non-secure areas of airports,” and a person who brings a gun into secure area be asked to leave without risk of arrest, jail or a fine.
According to the airport, the incident is still under investigation and more information will be shard via social media channels.
"Officials have given an all-clear for #ATLAirport and normal operations are beginning. Information for passengers and employees will be provided on ATL’s social media feeds and in the airport’s public address system," said the airport at around 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
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