Airport on lockdown after major security alert as armed police swam building
The TF Green Airport in Rhode Island was placed under lockdown today while emergency services responded to a "potential security threat".
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the airport confirmed it was "in lockdown as law enforcement addresses a potential security threat". There have been reports that this was due to an active shooter.
In an update, the airport said: "Law enforcement has determined that there is no credible security threat at RI TF Green International Airport. RIAC has lifted the precautionary airport lockdown. Travellers are asked to check with their airlines regarding potential delays."
One person took to Twitter to say they were at the airport and it had been shut down due to an "active shooter". They said "SWAT, state police, fire, etc" were all present.
Local media outlets have reported both state and Warwick Police responded to the airport after being called about a man with a gun in a parking garage. Flights due to land at TF Green were also reportedly diverted to other airports.
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The airport has been placed under lockdown while police investigate (Alamy Stock Photo)Warwick Police Chief Bradford Connor spoke to 12 News, saying: "We received a call of a possible threat at the airport, multiple agencies are investigating now and conducting a search of the parking lots."
A SWAT team is clearing the parking garage while state police have set up a perimeter around the area, according to Rhode Island State Police Colonel Darnell Weaver. Col. Weaver added that the threat "appears to be unfounded at this time".
Speaking to 12 News, he said: "Preliminary, what we have is the call came into Warwick Police about a potential suspect with a rifle. They responded to the area, it was isolated to the parking garage, not the actual terminal."
There have been reports of a helicopter spotted overhead near the airport, believed to belong to a local news outlet. Flight Radar 24 showed a helicopter circling near the western side of the airport.
In a statement, the airport said: "Rhode Island TF Green Airport is currently in lockdown as law enforcement addresses a potential security threat. Travellers are asked to delay arrivals at the airport at this time. More information will be provided when available."
Police are investigating the threat at the airport which is said to be in a car park (Alamy Stock Photo)Warwick Police, airport police and Rhode Island State police have all been spotted at the scene. Across the road on Post Road, people were sitting in car parks waiting for information about their flights.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation said the incident was disrupting traffic on the Airport Connector. They said: "All Travel Lanes blocked on Airport Connector EB at Exit 1A (Jefferson Boulevard" in Warwick - Incident at TF Green Airport."
Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos took to X to say: "The Governor and I have been briefed on a potential security threat at RI T.G. Green International Airport. Please avoid the area until it has been cleared.
"The airport is temporarily on lockdown. Police have responded and are on the scene. We will continue to provide updates."
Those inside the terminal have reported an increase in security personnel presence. Police reportedly have the entrances blocked, telling those who attempt to enter that the airport is closed.
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With roads blocked off, some people staying in airport hotels have found themselves stranded. Robert Souza, from Florida, told News 12: "We were actually trying to get out of our hotel, trying to get an Uber, but couldn't. The road's blocked off from both ways, couldn't get in."
Traffic was being diverted with signage above the carriageway reading: "Airport is on security lockdown". Traffic was queueing as it funneled into the single lane exit as people try to work out what's going on.
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