Earlier today, a confrontation on the Van Wyck Expressway escalated when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer discharged his firearm at another driver, following a collision near JFK Airport's central terminal area. The Port Authority police reported that the officer was involved in a minor two-car crash around 4:45 a.m. and alleged that he was assaulted by the other driver, prompting him to fire his service weapon multiple times during the altercation, Gothamist stated.
Despite the discharge of the firearm, there were no reports of injuries, and no one else was said to be involved in the shooting, this situation caused significant traffic disruptions, including the southbound closure of the expressway and diversions onto local roads around the airport, though motorists were able to re-access one lane around 7 a.m., and the JFK Expressway remained open for terminal access with passengers encouraged to use the AirTrain to JFK and to check their flight statuses, according to ABC7NY.
The Port Authority officials have not disclosed specifics regarding any injuries from the gunfire however, they did mention that one vehicle was struck by the gunshots, and the off-duty customs officer involved in the firing of the weapon was being interviewed in the ongoing investigation
As the developments of this incident unfold, officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Customs and Border Protection, have yet to provide a public response, authorities continue to investigate this occurrence and have advised travelers to anticipate possible residual delays and detours as they journey to JFK Airport this morning.
