Los Angeles Airport active shooter reported

There were reports of an active shooting incident late Sunday night in the baggage claim area of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), but they turned out to be unfounded.

Andy Neiman, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department, tweeted that “Report of shooting at LAX proven to be LOUD NOISES only No Shots Fired No Injuries investigation continues to locate source.”

But the panic and evacuations were quite real.

NBC News anchorman Lester Holt had reported earlier that he was “arriving at LAX off flight when people started pouring out of term 4 onto Tarmac. Security said ’shots fired. Run!’ “

According to Mr. Holt, one witness heard “pops,” while others heard orders to run and hide.

“Shots allegedly originated at baggage claim. Cops sweeping and clearing terminals. Bags abandoned and strewn in corridors … Cops just asked me to empty my hands and inquired if I saw and heard anything.” added J.P. Mangalindan, a reporter with Yahoo.

The Los Angeles Airport Police Department never confirmed there was a shooter or a shooting though it did conform the search.

“All precautions being taken to ensure safety of public. Remain calm. Thank you for your cooperation,” the LAAPD tweeted.

Authorities temporarily closed the airport to outside ground traffic and halted departing and arriving flights.

Hundreds of passengers also were ordered onto the tarmac before being let back in and the process of having everyone go through security plus delays from traffic and flight closures could cause overnight headaches.

“9:22p [PDT] returning back into airport. Shooter reportedly ’contained’ whatever that’s supposed to mean,” passenger Ross Greenberg tweeted from LAX.