Security at New York City-area airports was stepped up after a gunman opened fire in the baggage claim area at the Fort Lauderdale airport Friday, killing five people and wounding eight before being taken into custody. NY1's Lyndsay Christian filed the following report.
Hours before Denise Alasar and her daughter boarded a flight to their home in Miami, there was tragic news of a deadly shooting Friday afternoon at Fort Lauderdale International Airport just hours away.
"I just said, 'Somebody snapped,'" she said. "You never know. Everybody's under a lot of stress all of the world. You don't know who snaps for what reason and why, but it happens."
The Port Authority police ramped up security efforts at LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Liberty airports to make travelers like Denise feel safe. The agency deployed more officers equipped with tactical weapons and K-9 explosive detection teams, and mandated random bag checks on air trains.
"I think its a lot more safer now because it's more police officers, and they're more cautious," said one traveler.
Those measures were highly visible to travelers in LaGuardia's Terminal B.
"We've got a very large, not just police, but also a military presence at LaGuardia. He wouldn't make it very far here," said one traveler.
Others remained on edge.
"I think all of these places where people are crowded are targeted makes us concerned about malls, airports, hospitals, makes me think twice," said one traveler.
The Port Authority Police Department says it will be working with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the NYPD, in addition to New Jersey law enforcement agencies, to help ensure safe travels, proactive work to protect people in our area from any danger or threats.
"I hope for the best and really pray every day that people will find peace within themselves," said one traveler.
"I believe in God, I'm alright, everything's going to be alright," said another.
At least one carrier, Delta Airlines, canceled all incoming flights to Fort Lauderdale Friday.