In a state of heightened security measures, the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport was brought to a halt Wednesday following a reported bomb threat, according to authorities.
Officials declared the crisis over via their social media platform formerly known as Twitter, stating definitively, “Law enforcement has cleared the vehicle in question,” and reassured the public that “operations will slowly return to normal.”
The situation led to a standstill across the airport complex, with flights disrupted, road access blocked, and security checkpoints on high alert.
Details discerned from informed individuals suggested that an individual, who had parked their vehicle at the airport curb, professed to having a bomb on their possession—a claim that led to their prompt apprehension. A bomb squad was promptly on the scene to ensure the area was safe, noted the insider, who wished to remain anonymous due to not being officially sanctioned to disclose such information.
Interestingly, the disturbance unfolded in the public zone of the airport rather than the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. Nevertheless, it brought about the temporary closure of two main terminal checkpoints, with two others remaining operative.
The airport later publicized the decision to shut down its access road, following the security scare.
The incident’s magnitude was such that a flight poised for takeoff was held back, with an air traffic controller remarking over an aviation radio frequency, “There is an emergency situation at the airport, and we’ve stopped departures.”
The ripple effects extended to the local transit agency, with light rail services that serve the airport ceasing their airport-bound routes amidst the uncertainty.
As the situation steadied, spokespersons for the airport and the airport police agency refrained from commenting further. The incident, while certainly causing a stir, thankfully was resolved without any serious consequences, leaving the airport to slowly regain its rhythm and operational normalcy.
