Usain Bolt's win shuts down JFK terminal, celebration mistaken for gunshots
Published:Monday | August 15, 2016 | 12:00 AM
John F. Kennedy International Airport's Terminal Eight was evacuated Sunday night after reports of shots being fired at the New York airport.
However, it appears the sounds were from clapping and banging by passengers who were watching Usain Bolt run in the 100 metres at the Rio Olympics.
Authorities say reports of the shooting emerged around 9:30 US time, the same time that Bolt won his race and took home an incredible third straight gold medal.
The New York Police Department's Special Ops team later tweeted that all terminals were searched and cleared following the clapping and banging.
It said no shots were fired and all affected terminals will resume operations shortly.
One passenger wrote on Twitter about being stranded at JFK for six hours and sarcastically thanked Usain.
A statement from the Port Authority confirmed there were no gunshots.