UPDATED: TSA statement on evacuation of Terminal 2 at HNL

Joint Press Release
Thursday, June 20, 2019

For Immediate Release 
Public Affairs 
Contact: tsamedia@tsa.dhs.gov

HONOLULU – “TSA screening operations at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport have returned to normal following Tuesday evening’s evacuation and re-screening of travelers departing Terminal 2. Around 2:10 p.m. HST Tuesday, June 18, an external battery source in a traveler’s carry-on luggage overheated and emitted smoke in the security checkpoint. This created confusion and some travelers breached the security checkpoint by running into the sterile area of the airport without being screened.

"Following the breach and subsequent evacuation, TSA conducted a security sweep of the airport and aircraft using explosive detection canines. Around 6 p.m., TSA reopened the security checkpoints in Terminal 2. TSA extended the shifts of on-duty TSA officers to ensure security lanes were staffed and, by 9 p.m. HST, all TSA screening operations at all checkpoints had returned to normal."

Additional information:

  • Early reports of an active shooter are unfounded.
  • The Hawaii State Sheriff’s office took possession of the device.
  • No further updates on this incident are anticipated.

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