A violent altercation broke out at Sky Harbor International Airport on Christmas night, leading to three people being shot and one person stabbed in a restaurant within Terminal 4.

According to Fox 10 Phoenix, a family dispute escalated into violence, causing injuries to four people and temporarily disrupting operations at the airport.

The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. on December 25 at a restaurant in Terminal 4, a hub for Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. Five individuals, all known to each other, were involved in the dispute. The altercation escalated quickly, resulting in gunfire and a stabbing.

Airport Operations Halted Amid Chaos

Two men and one woman sustained gunshot wounds, with the woman’s injuries described as life-threatening. The men are expected to recover. Another man involved was stabbed but is reportedly in stable condition. Authorities detained a man and a juvenile girl following the incident. However, no charges had been announced as of the latest update.

As a precaution, Terminal 4’s security checkpoint and the Phoenix Sky Train were temporarily closed. A shelter-in-place order was issued for travelers, creating significant delays. This order was lifted around 10:30 p.m., allowing airport operations to resume normalcy.

Sgt. Mayra Reeson of the Phoenix Police Department confirmed that all the individuals involved were connected and that the violence did not extend beyond the group. "No community members or visitors were hurt outside of this group of individuals," she stated. Reeson also emphasized the importance of airport safety, saying, “I do not recommend bringing guns to an airport.”

Shelter-In-Place Lifted After Investigation

Law enforcement acted quickly to secure the scene and recover the weapons involved in the incident. Passengers in Terminal 4 expressed concern during the shelter-in-place order, which disrupted holiday travel plans for many.

Reeson added that this type of incident, especially on Christmas evening, was “scary” for travelers attempting to return home. She also noted, "I do believe that this was a family dispute that escalated." Once authorities confirmed that no suspects were being sought, Phoenix Police announced via social media that airport operations had resumed as usual. Travelers were able to proceed with their journeys after the shelter-in-place was lifted.

Unrelated Incident Involving Armed Individual

Adding to the unusual events of the evening, a separate incident at the airport involved 21-year-old Cole Nenon. Nenon arrived at Sky Harbor armed with multiple guns after receiving a message about an active shooter. Police reported that he handed the weapons to others and approached officers in a distressed state.

Nenon allegedly spat on and struck an officer during the confrontation. Law enforcement subsequently impounded three guns and charged him with aggravated assault. This incident was unrelated to the family dispute and further highlighted the heightened tensions at the airport on Christmas night.

Police Recover Weapons and Secure Scene

Authorities confirmed that all weapons used in the family dispute were recovered. Investigators are continuing to assess the incident, but as of now, charges against those detained have not been filed. The violence and subsequent disruptions caused delays for travelers at one of the busiest airports in the country during the holiday season. Despite the chaos, no other passengers or employees outside the involved group were harmed.

Terminal 4 Operations Resume

Sky Harbor International Airport is one of Phoenix’s most critical transportation hubs. Terminal 4, specifically, sees significant daily traffic as the primary hub for two major airlines. Following the temporary shutdown, the airport’s operations were restored, minimizing further delays for holiday travelers.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols, especially during high-traffic periods like Christmas. Authorities have assured the public that the situation is under control and that the investigation remains active.

As more details emerge, police are urging individuals to prioritize safety and avoid bringing weapons into sensitive areas such as airports.