Before taking departure, a Southwest Airlines flight from Dallas was hit by a bullet and returned to its gate. When Flight 2494 was "struck by gunfire near the cockpit," on Friday, Nov. 15, it was getting ready to depart Dallas Love Field Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA explained in a statement that prior to the shooting, the Boeing 737-800 was its route to Indianapolis International Airport. No injuries were reported, a Southwest representative told people on Saturday, Nov. 16.
The source of the shooting is unclear at this time. The crew was getting ready to leave when the incident happened.
After that, the aircraft "taxied safely back to the terminal," according to a Southwest representative. They further stated that "a bullet apparently struck the right side of the aircraft just under the flight deck."
In addition, the airline agent stated, "Southwest accommodated our customers on another flight," "Law enforcement authorities have been notified, and the plane has been removed from service."
The Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to the shooting, a Dallas Love Field Airport spokesperson informed people.
They also stated that while police conducted an investigation, runway 13R/31L was "temporarily" closed before reopening. The airport also stated on Facebook that there was "minimal impact on airline operations."
In a statement to people on November 16, the Dallas Police Department acknowledged that it was the "lead agency" in the continuing investigation and that it had responded to the "shooting call" at approximately 9:48 p.m.
According to The Hill, the event happened the same week that a Spirit Airlines flight was shot at in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, after taking off from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Source: People.com