Phoenix police are investigating a violent altercation involving both a shooting and stabbing at Sky Harbor Airport’s Terminal 4 on Christmas evening. While the incident caused alarm for travelers, airport operations have since returned to normal.
Authorities have confirmed that access to Terminal 4’s B and C gates will remain restricted during the ongoing investigation. Travelers heading to the airport on December 26 should plan for detours and allow extra time.
The incident unfolded around 9:41 p.m. Wednesday when officers responded to reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police discovered a group engaged in a fight that escalated when one individual brandished a handgun. Three victims were found at the scene: one adult female and two adult males, all suffering from gunshot wounds. The woman’s injuries are reported as life-threatening, while the two men are in stable condition.
Sgt. Mayra Reeson clarified that the altercation involved a group of individuals known to one another, emphasizing that no uninvolved community members or travelers were harmed. The individuals had not yet passed through TSA screening when the violence occurred. “This appears to have been a family dispute that escalated,” Reeson stated, urging travelers to avoid bringing firearms to the airport.
Following the gunfire, a man and a juvenile girl were detained in an airport parking garage. The man, who suffered a stab wound, is in stable condition. In total, four individuals were injured, and two were detained. No arrests have been made, but police have recovered all weapons involved.
The chaos briefly disrupted airport operations, with Terminal 4’s security checkpoint and the Phoenix Sky Train temporarily shut down as a precaution. A shelter-in-place order was lifted around 10:30 p.m., and officials confirmed that normal operations resumed shortly afterward.
Terminal 4 is a key hub for Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. Travelers are advised to check for updates and plan for potential delays if accessing the B and C gates.
Police have assured the public that no suspects remain at large, and the situation is under control.
