A security breach involving an unscreened piece of luggage prompted an evacuation of Terminal 2 at San Diego International Airport today.
Authorities cleared the public out of the terminal at the bayside airport about 12:30 p.m., after a traveler entered the post-screening area of the airport with a carry-on bag that had been identified for an additional check, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
"TSA officers began searching for the traveler and were not able to locate him,'' the agency reported in a prepared statement. "As a result, TSA made the decision to clear Terminal 2 West & East.''
The federal agency directed all passengers in the post-security areas of Terminal 2 — including those who already had boarded planes — to be sent back for re-screening.
Officers, some with service dogs, then began a sweep of the terminal and its gate areas.
"Once that is complete, TSA will begin re-screening all travelers once the terminal is clear of any potential security threats,'' the agency advised in the mid-afternoon. "We ask all travelers to exercise patience while this incident is resolved.''
