St. Petersburg, Florida — Operations at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport came to a standstill Friday afternoon due to a bomb threat that prompted a swift response from law enforcement. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri confirmed that the airport closures began around 4:30 p.m. as investigators began looking into the alarming situation.
The incident unfolded when a flight attendant discovered a threatening message on a lavatory door of Allegiant Air Flight 2006, which was preparing to take off for Cincinnati. While details of the threat remain undisclosed, Sheriff Gualtieri indicated that it was aimed at all Allegiant aircraft located at the airport.
Approximately 170 passengers were onboard the flight at the time, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. Gualtieri reassured the public that there was no ongoing danger to those present at the airport or to the passengers on the plane. “It’s an active and ongoing investigation, but I’m comfortable saying there is no immediate threat to anyone here,” he stated.
To ensure safety, bomb-sniffing dogs from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, along with support from local law enforcement, conducted thorough checks of all aircraft on the tarmac. As of late Friday, no arrests had been made, although the sheriff hinted at the possibility of suspicious activity surrounding the incident.
Travelers faced significant disruptions as both arrivals and departures were delayed during the investigation. Affected passengers were encouraged to check their flight statuses online for updates.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the threat. Sheriff Gualtieri expressed confidence that the airport would soon return to normal operations, restoring a sense of security for travelers.
As this situation unfolds, airport officials and law enforcement are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of all who use the airport. Further updates are expected as investigators delve deeper into the matter.
