A Transportation Security Administration was killed during a shooting rampage inside Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, authorities said.Â
The shooter opened fire with a rifle inside the terminal, killing one agent and and injuring three others, NBC Los Angeles reported.
NBC News reported that the gunman, identified as 23-year-old Paul Anthony Ciancia of Los Angeles, was shot by police.
Despite earlier reports, the shooter is not believed to be an off-duty TSA employee.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said President Obama has been briefed on the shooting.
The president will continue to receive information to stay up-to-date on the incident. Mr. Carney said he had no information other than what’s already been reported by sources on the ground.
PHOTOS: Inside the grisly shooting scene at LAX
The shooter was able to slide past security and release a round of shots inside Terminal 3 at about 9 a.m., the New York Daily News reported.
Police swarmed, evacuating the port.
One witness said he was taking a nap when he was awakened by the sound of gunfire and panicked people, CNN reported.
“I heard a popping sound and everybody was diving for cover,” said the man, Robert Perez, to CNN. “The TSA said there was a shooting in the terminal and to evacuate the building.”
Mr. Perez said he saw about 100 people fleeing down the stairs.
“Everybody started to panic,” he said.
• Jacqueline Klimas contributed to this article.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.