US Sen. Charles Schumer has urged the Department of Homeland Security to initiate a full review of the handling of a false shooting incident at New York’s JFK Airport earlier this month.
Schumer believes lessons can be learnt over the incident which caused confusion and chaos, and wants the DHS to look into current security protocols and the coordination of law enforcement agencies.
The New York Democrat wants the federal agency to conduct a formal audit.
"We can’t let this false alarm become the sad truth of the future," Schumer said.
"The panic and chaos that ensued from the shots-fired scare at JFK last week raises very disturbing questions about the state of preparedness and coordination of response if—heaven forbid—a real attack were to occur."
The false alert of shots fired led to the full evacuation of two terminal buildings, flight cancellations and road closures around the airport.
"It’s hard to believe after there’s been so much terror at different airports that there is a lack of coordination that exists," he said.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also called for a review of security procedures, while City Mayor Bill de Blasio said: "We all have to do better at the airports. "There’s no question about it."
