Authorities are on high alert following a shocking incident at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix on Christmas evening. A violent altercation linked to a family dispute erupted around 9:45 p.m. at a restaurant located outside of the security checkpoints in Terminal 4, resulting in three people being shot and one individual stabbed.

The victims include an adult female and two adult males. Tragically, the woman suffers from life-threatening injuries, while the two men are in stable condition and expected to recover. The fourth individual, who sustained stab wounds, is also reported to be stable.

Phoenix police confirmed that all individuals involved knew each other and that the incident escalated from a physical confrontation. “I do believe that this was a family dispute that escalated,” stated Sgt. Mayra Reeson during a press briefing.

After the chaos unfolded, law enforcement detained a man and a minor in a nearby parking garage, although no details regarding potential charges have been released. Authorities are still probing the circumstances surrounding why this group was at the airport, questioning whether they were traveling or had other reasons for their presence.

The violent episode led to significant disruptions at the airport, including the temporary closure of a security checkpoint, various restaurants, and a brief halt at the terminal's PHX Sky Train station. Travelers expressed their concerns, especially given that many were trying to get home during the busy holiday season. “Of course, this was scary; this was Christmas evening. Everybody’s trying to get home,” commented Reeson.

In a bizarre twist, shortly after the initial shooting, another unrelated incident occurred when a man arrived at the airport claiming to have received a text warning of an active shooter on the premises. This individual became involved in a confrontation with the police and was subsequently arrested. Specific details on his charges are still pending.

Sky Harbor Airport serves as one of the largest commercial airports in the U.S. and a vital hub for numerous airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest, and Frontier. This shocking incident raises questions about safety protocols, especially during a time when travel is at its peak due to the holiday season.

As investigations continue, the community is left to grapple with the terrifying thought that a festive holiday gathering could turn into a scene of violence. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.