Charleston International Airport officials reopened the terminal around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday after a “suspicious package” prompted a full evacuation of the facility just after 11 a.m.
“TSA officials determined an evacuation of the terminal was necessary and employees along with passengers were evacuated,” airport spokesman Spencer Pryor told the City Paper. “The suspicious package was removed from the terminal area and members of the Charleston County Bomb Squad arrived on scene to inspect the item. At about 1:30 p.m. the all clear was given and the terminal was reopened. The suspicious item was deemed NOT to be an explosive.”
Media and visitors at the airport began reporting the evacuation just before noon on Wednesday, and updates show people pushed back into the multi-level parking garage adjacent to the arrivals and departures driveway.
Google Maps reports that International Boulevard leading to and from the airport area is blocked, with traffic being diverted elsewhere in the area.
Law enforcement personnel from the Charleston County Sheriff, North Charleston Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff, Dorchester County Sheriff and State Law Enforcement Division assisted Charleston County Aviation Authority Police in the response to the incident.
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