U.S. police continue their search on Sunday for a man who fled Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after a bullet accidentally discharged from his firearm upon its discovery, causing panic. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, prompted dozens of passengers to seek shelter and resulted in three injuries, none of which were caused by the gunfire.
Atlanta police stated during a press conference that the suspect is identified as Kenny Wells, 42 years old, adding, "We are actively pursuing this individual." The Transportation Security Administration explained that the incident happened after a "prohibited item" was found in the passenger's luggage by an X-ray machine. When a security personnel opened the compartment containing the item, "the passenger lunged for the bag and grabbed a firearm, at which point the bullet discharged."
The agency noted that "the passenger then fled the area and escaped through an airport exit," adding that the security personnel had instructed the passenger not to touch the item, according to AFP. Police reported that one person was injured after falling due to the panic that ensued, while two others complained of shortness of breath. Shortly after the incident, the airport administration announced via Twitter that "there is no longer a threat to passengers or staff."
