A TSA officer about to die at Orlando Airport

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – An officer from the Transportation Security Administration lost his life Saturday from a balcony inside Florida's busiest airport.

Panicked pbadengers crossed the checkpoints leading to about half of the Orlando International Airport gates after the man's jump, resulting in the closing of the checkpoints until three o'clock. the cancellation of some flights.

"At no time were the pbadengers in danger," airport officials said in a statement.

Airlines Alaska, Air Canada, Delta and Southwest were also affected by the shutdown.

On Saturday afternoon, Southwest Airlines canceled 49 incoming and 45 outbound flights, according to the airport.

"Saturday is a rush hour and two of the busiest airlines, Southwest and Delta, have been hit, with 2,000 pbadengers potentially affected," said Carolyn Fennell, director of airport public affairs, in an email.

The 40-year-old TSA officer had committed suicide, according to the Orlando Police Department, who described it as an isolated incident.

"Our hearts are with the TSA family at this very difficult time," tweeted the department.

The man jumped from the hotel's balcony inside the airport into the atrium where pbadengers wait to pbad the security.

The officer was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital, police said.

The airport tweeted that pbadengers crossing checkpoints rushed for a second cautionary review. According to the airport, two airside terminals were closed to pbadengers during a security check and all flights to and from the relevant gates were stopped until the security measures were completed. security are restored.

"We ask you to be patient with the airport staff as it faces this tragic incident," tweeted the Orlando Police Department.

Representative Darren Soto, D-Fla., Said in a tweet that the death of this officer comes after TSA employees fought a partial government shutdown. With other government employees, TSA officers worked without pay during the 35 days of arrest.

"Our @TSA agents have already suffered a lot in the #GovernmentShutdown," Soto tweeted. "This apparent suicide only adds to the tragedy experienced at Orlando Int."