(LibertySociety.com) – A Southwest Airlines flight preparing for takeoff at Dallas Love Field Airport was struck by a bullet on Friday night, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and grounding the plane. The incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. as the aircraft was set to depart for Indianapolis.
The bullet struck the right side of the plane beneath the flight deck while the crew prepared for departure. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members onboard. The aircraft was safely taxied back to the terminal after the incident, and all passengers were deplaned without incident. The damaged plane was subsequently removed from service.
Southwest Airlines confirmed that affected passengers would be accommodated on another flight. The airline also reported the incident to law enforcement, and an investigation was launched. The runway at Dallas Love Field was temporarily closed during the initial response but has since reopened.
The Dallas Police Department, working alongside the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is investigating the shooting. At this time, no motive has been identified, and there are no suspects. Authorities are continuing to assess how the incident occurred and whether it poses any broader security risks.
This marks the second time in a week that an aircraft has been hit by gunfire. Earlier in the week, a Spirit Airlines flight landing in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was struck by gunfire. That plane was diverted to the Dominican Republic, where authorities confirmed damage consistent with bullets. In the wake of that incident, the FAA suspended flights between the U.S. and Haiti, citing safety concerns amid escalating gang violence in the region.
While incidents like these are rare, they raise significant concerns about aviation security and potential risks near airports. Investigators are working to determine whether Friday’s shooting was an isolated act or part of a broader threat. Passengers and airport staff are being urged to remain vigilant as authorities continue their work to ensure safety in air travel.
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