A 37-year-old woman has been charged with aggravated assault against a public servant after she opened fire at Dallas Love Field Airport Monday morning, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said during a Tuesday afternoon press conference, as authorities released videos of the dramatic incident.
The woman, identified as Portia Odufuwa, entered the airport at about 10:59 a.m. local time and went to a restroom, police said. She exited the bathroom wearing different clothing and fired three shots into the air, Garcia said. She then pointed her weapon at a bystander and an officer, who subsequently returned fire. An investigation later determined that Odufuwa had fired her weapon at the officer.
Garcia identified the officer Tuesday as a 15-year veteran, who responded as soon as the suspect began shooting and gave multiple verbal commands to her while verbally guiding bystanders to safety. Garcia commended the officer’s bravery and courage, saying he saved countless lives.
Police said that witnesses heard the woman rambling about a marriage, incarceration, and blowing up the airport before she began shooting.
The gun used in the shooting was not registered to the suspect, who, according to police, has been prohibited from possessing a firearm since 2018. It is not clear how she obtained the firearm.
The airport was placed under lockdown during the Monday shooting and resumed flight operations after several hours of investigation.
The suspect could face additional federal charges, Garcia said. No motive has been determined at this time, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
