On-Duty TSA Agent Dies in 'Apparent Suicide' at Orlando International Airport
A TSA agent died inside the Orlando International Airport on Saturday morning in what police are calling an “apparent suicide.”
TSA confirmed to TIME that an on-duty officer fell from a hotel balcony inside MCO Airport.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the officer’s family, friends and everyone in our TSA family,” the TSA statement read. “TSA will be rescreening passengers and will continue to work with the Orlando Police Department and GOAA (Greater Orlando Aviation Authority) to return operations to normal.”
The statement did not address whether or not the agent committed suicide, though several reports claim that is the case. Orlando Police said that “[p]reliminary information suggests an apparent suicide” and that the case is an active investigation.
At 9:30 a.m., an individual jumped from the Hyatt Regency Hotel into the atrium area of the airport. A male in his 40s was found in critical condition and transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Preliminary information suggests an apparent suicide.
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) February 2, 2019
We are working an incident at the Orlando International Airport @MCO where a person jumped from the Hyatt Regency Hotel into the atrium area of the airport. This is an active and on-going investigation. More information to follow...
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) February 2, 2019
As the situation unfolded, many travelers described scene at the airport as “chaotic” and said flights were delayed.
The reports here in Orlando aren’t good. The buzz is that somebody just jumped from the upper floors of the hotel and died. It’s kinda chaotic here. The lines are DEEP! If you are flying out, expect delays out of @MCO. TSA lines are in that hallway through Disney/Universal stores pic.twitter.com/TnLDvvaONw
— Steve Giglio (@stevegiglio) February 2, 2019
Images uploaded to social media show large crowds and lines gathering at the airport.
Ground stop at #MCO after TSA agent attempted suicide. Security closed since 9:15am. pic.twitter.com/7iV9She2JA
— James Shaw (@JamesDShaw) February 2, 2019
So rumors flying among the uninformed/panicked crowds at @MCO that someone committed suicide by jumping off 10 stories. Security was shutdown and it’s complete madness now pic.twitter.com/cAZ9UPneaT
— Ruben Orduz (@rdodev) February 2, 2019