A shooting incident unfolded outside Terminal 2 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday, leading to significant disruptions. A 25-year-old man suffered two gunshot wounds in the lower body following an altercation among several individuals. The confrontation began as a fistfight shortly after midnight and escalated into gunfire, alarming nearby travelers and hotel guests.
The incident left dozens of shell casings scattered on the ground, marking the scene of chaos outside Terminal 2. This terminal serves major airlines including JetBlue, Air Canada, and Alaska Airlines, making it a bustling hub even during the late-night hours. The Chicago Police Department swiftly launched an investigation into the shooting, focusing part of their efforts on a white BMW parked outside Terminal 1.
Witnesses at the scene reported the unsettling sounds of gunfire. One hotel guest staying nearby described hearing "a bunch of single shots," capturing the sudden and frightening nature of the event. Additionally, a woman staying at a nearby hotel recounted how a bullet hit her window, adding to the gravity of the situation.
“I was terrified, so I honestly, these ear plugs saved my life.” – Raquel Barajas
This sentiment echoed the fear and confusion felt by many in proximity to the incident. Despite the initial shock and disruption, airport operations resumed quickly. By 5:15 a.m., arrival lanes at all terminals were fully open, allowing passengers to continue their travels with minimal delay.
The police investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to unravel the details behind this alarming event. The quick response by law enforcement and airport staff helped mitigate further chaos in one of the nation's busiest airports.