A violent overnight incident at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) forced the closure of Terminal 2 and surrounding areas after gunfire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, March 12. The shooting left one man injured and caused extensive damage to the terminal’s glass windows before police secured the scene.
The disturbance began around 1 a.m. when an altercation between several people inside Terminal 2 spilled outside. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, with bullets striking a 25-year-old man in the leg and shattering windows near the baggage claim area. Airport guests and employees scrambled for safety as the gunfire echoed through the lower levels.
Emergency responders transported the wounded man to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition. Meanwhile, Chicago police cordoned off sections of the terminal to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses. Some travelers were unaware of the danger until they spotted bullet holes or were redirected by security. One sleeping passenger wearing noise-canceling headphones only realized what happened when she awoke to damaged windows near her seating area.
The airport temporarily shuttered Terminals 1 through 3 during the investigation, creating confusion for arriving passengers and those picking them up. Many had to rearrange transportation plans, with some meeting rides at departure gates instead of the usual baggage claim exits. By 5:15 a.m., authorities reopened the arrival lanes, though repairs and police activity continued in affected zones.
As one of America’s busiest travel hubs, O’Hare maintains strict security protocols, but this rare violent episode has raised fresh concerns. Airport officials assure travelers that safety remains their top priority while law enforcement works to determine what led to the shooting. Passengers are encouraged to allow extra time and check for updates as the airport returns to normal operations.
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