FBI Gives All Clear After 'Security Incident' At Miami International Airport
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The FBI has given the all clear after a 'security incident' at Miami International Airport Monday evening.
It all started at around 5:30 p.m. when airport officials said they were working a security incident that affected parts of the airport including Checkpoint 2, the Skytrain and some gates in terminal D.
About 10 minutes later, they tweeted out more information, reiterating that all passengers were safe and secure but for those traveling to expect delays.
Update #2: security incident affecting Ck.Point 2 & other areas of D. Everyone safe. Until all clear, expect delays.
— Miami Int'l Airport (@iflymia) November 9, 2015
Update 3: inner lanes of upper & lower drives closed & ckpoints 2 & 3 closed due security incident. Everyone safe. Updates as available.
— Miami Int'l Airport (@iflymia) November 9, 2015
The Miami-Dade Police Department said a suspicious package had been discovered, prompting the incident.
Update #4: Police onsite and investigation continues regarding suspicious item. Everyone safe. Expect delays. More info as available.
— Miami Int'l Airport (@iflymia) November 9, 2015
As part of the security incident, police began searching flights but did not elaborate on what was found.
"They came in and told everyone to get out. The airport was being evacuated," said passenger Lisa Golden.
By 7:10 p.m., airport officials said Checkpoint 2 was opening up and some flights from terminal D were departing. However, they added that operations were still being impacted.
The flight boards said that flights were cancelled, but airport officials said they did not think that was the case.
"Long lines. My flight's probably delayed. That's if we can even get on a flight," said traveler Annabelle Barbeite. "Big headache."
Some passengers were literally locked in at a T.G.I. Friday's restaurant when law enforcement descended on the concourse.
Everyone CBS4 spoke with was thankful for safety, but left wondering what happened?
A witness told CBS4 News that they saw someone being taken off a plane and then that plane was evacuated.
At about 10:35 p.m., the FBI finally gave passengers closure in a statement:
Just before 5 pm this afternoon a passenger went through security at MIA. It was later determined that items in his carry-on bag looked suspicious. The passenger was eventually located, questioned and his bag was searched. The items in question were deemed safe/non-hazardous.
There is no safety issue or threat related to the incident. The passenger was cooperative and faces no charges.
