The Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City was placed on lockdown with all incoming and outgoing flights suspended this afternoon after a shooter killed a Southwest Airlines employee. Travelers in the airport were told to “shelter in place” as police responded to the scene. The employee was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Police confirm that the suspect has not been taken into custody and is still on the loose.
A Southwest Airlines employee who was shot at an airport in Oklahoma City has died, the airline said. https://t.co/cfpDQuO3oV pic.twitter.com/l9S4Z5ylSr
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) November 15, 2016
KJRH reports that 52-year-old Southwest Airlines employee Michael Winchester was killed today at the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. The shooting occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. when police responded to a call about a possible shooting at the airport.
A shooting has been reported at Will Rogers Airport. If you are headed there to catch a flight, please check with your airline.
— OKC Police Dept (@okcpd) November 15, 2016
Police: 1 person dead after shooting at Oklahoma City airport. https://t.co/taH4WASzVk
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 15, 2016
Upon arrival, one victim was found in the airport parking lot and was later identified as the Southwest Airlines employee. There was an alleged second victim that police were also searching for based on the initial call. However, only one victim was found. Following the discovery of the victim, police informed everyone in the airport to shelter in place and all incoming and outgoing flights were halted.
We have confirmed one victim shot at Will Rogers Airport. Please avoid going to the airport at this time. We will keep you posted.
— OKC Police Dept (@okcpd) November 15, 2016
We have closed Will Rogers Airport at this time. If you are inside of the airport, shelter in place until advised otherwise.
— OKC Police Dept (@okcpd) November 15, 2016
The traffic into and out of the airport was also halted with many taking to Twitter noting they had been stuck in their vehicles for hours.
@okcpd we are still stuck here in parking lot. Can’t vehicles be searched and we can be sent on our way?? My 4 year old needs to pee
— Wale (@walel) November 15, 2016
However, five hours after the shooting, the Will Rogers World Airport is still closed and police have not made any arrests in the shooting death of the Southwest employee. The airport remained on lockdown with police finally attempting to move people from the interior of the building at around 4:00 p.m. The efforts are reportedly still underway.
We are going to begin moving people from inside of the airport to SW 67th and Terminal Drive.
— OKC Police Dept (@okcpd) November 15, 2016
The airport remains closed at this time as we prepare to move people out of the airport.
— OKC Police Dept (@okcpd) November 15, 2016
According to CNN , police have still not identified the shooter in the case and a manhunt is currently underway in the city. Capt. Paco Balderrama of the Oklahoma City Police Department says they have some “basic information” on who the suspect may be, but it is still unclear if the suspect and victim knew each other.
“We have some basic information who the suspect might be.”
As the search continues, all incoming and outgoing vehicles at the airport were checked with police officers searching airport shuttle buses.
Police officer here just asked to check this bus before he let it leave the area of Will Rogers. They are doing it to all buses. @koconews pic.twitter.com/PTmMXEyb0m
— Jonathan Cooper (@KOCOCooper) November 15, 2016
The airport has confirmed that all of the remaining flights for Tuesday have been cancelled and advised passengers to keep checking with airlines regarding tomorrow’s flight schedule.
This story is developing and the Inquisitr will keep you posted as more information is made available.
Update 7:17 p.m. EST: The Kansas City Star reports that the victim Michael Winchester was the father of Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester.
Very sad news: Father of #Chiefs long snapper killed in Oklahoma City shooting on Tuesday https://t.co/QKoNrIIxta
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) November 15, 2016
[Featured Image by KWTV/AP Images]
