Incident Unfolds at O’Hare Airport: Investigation of Terminal Area Shooting

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A 25-year-old man was shot during an altercation outside Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, leaving him hospitalized as authorities scramble to piece together what happened in one of America’s busiest travel hubs.

Quick Takes

The shooting occurred near Terminal 2 following a physical altercation among multiple individuals.
The victim suffered two gunshot wounds to the lower body and is in stable condition at Lutheran General Hospital.
Chicago Police are investigating the incident and interviewing a second individual connected to the shooting.
Dozens of shell casings were found at the scene, and a shattered window was reported near the baggage claim area.
The incident is one of nearly 200 shootings that have occurred across the U.S. in the last 72 hours.

Violence Erupts at Major Travel Hub

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport became the latest scene of gun violence in America when shots rang out near Terminal 2 early in the morning. According to police reports, the shooting stemmed from an altercation involving multiple individuals that escalated rapidly. The 25-year-old victim was struck twice in the lower body but is expected to recover. Chicago Police Department officials have confirmed they are interviewing a second person potentially connected to the incident as part of their ongoing investigation by Area Five Detectives.

Witnesses in the vicinity described moments of terror as the confrontation turned violent. Raquel Barajas, who was near the scene when gunfire erupted, provided a harrowing account of her experience. “I was terrified, so honestly, these ear plugs saved my life. Getting up would have made me more scared and put me in a worse scenario, so I’m just really grateful to be alive right now,” said Barajas to reporters. Another witness staying at a nearby hotel reported hearing “a bunch of single shots” during the incident. Police responded quickly, securing the area and beginning their investigation, which continues as they attempt to determine the exact circumstances that led to the shooting.

A 25-year-old man is in stable condition after being shot during a fight at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Suffered 2 gunshot wounds & taken to area hospital. It happened overnight outside Terminal 2. One person being interviewed by detectives. Police say the investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/LYlthfPCr6

— Josh Cradduck (@JoshNBCTV) March 12, 2025

Airport Operations and Investigation Details

The shooting caused temporary disruptions to airport operations, with arrival lanes at all terminals closed during the initial investigation. By 5:15 a.m., airport officials had reopened all arrival lanes, minimizing the impact on morning travel. Terminal 2, where the incident occurred, houses operations for JetBlue, Air Canada, and Alaska Airlines. Police reports indicate the altercation began as a fistfight shortly after midnight before escalating to gunfire, with the shooting taking place on the street outside the terminal building.

Investigators have recovered numerous shell casings from the scene and are examining a white BMW parked near Terminal 1 that may be connected to the incident. A window near the baggage claim area was shattered during the gunfire, though it remains unclear whether this was directly related to shots fired or resulted from the altercation. Police have not yet disclosed potential motives or whether the individuals involved knew each other prior to the confrontation.

Broader Context and Disturbing Trend

This incident at O’Hare adds to a concerning pattern of airport-related shootings across the country. In December 2024, a shooting occurred at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, while in November 2024, a bullet struck a Southwest Airlines plane at Dallas Love Field Airport as the crew prepared for takeoff. According to recent data, the O’Hare shooting represents just one of nearly 200 shooting incidents that have occurred across the United States in the past 72 hours, with at least 12 in Chicago alone.