Crime & Safety

LAX Terminal Briefly Shut Due To 'Potentially Suspicious Item'

Airport authorities said the item was removed from Terminal 5 shortly after 1 p.m.; traffic was detoured and the terminal evacuated.

Karen Wall's profile picture
Karen Wall, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|
Los Angeles International Airport detoured traffic in the central terminal on Saturday as authorities investigated a "potential suspicious item." The item was removed from the terminal, LAX officials said.
Los Angeles International Airport detoured traffic in the central terminal on Saturday as authorities investigated a "potential suspicious item." The item was removed from the terminal, LAX officials said. (Paige Austin/Patch)

LOS ANGELES, CA — A "potentially suspicious item" prompted traffic detours and an evacuation of Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

Shortly before 1 p.m., LAX Airport tweeted a warning about traffic delays "within the Central Terminal area" because of police activity near Terminal 5. "Please allow extra time to get to your terminal," the tweet said.

Less than 10 minutes later, a follow-up tweet from the account said airport police had removed "a potentially suspicious item."

Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

There was no description of the item immediately available.

Travelers at the airport said the terminal had been evacuated.

Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Photos posted on social media showed cars backed up waiting to move through the terminal area, and people walking through.

Authorities did not immediately release additional details.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Los Angeles