Woman Fires Gun at Nashville International Airport, Shoots Herself in Leg

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Nashville International Airport (BNA) was thrown into chaos on April 17, 2022, as a woman entered the premises near the North Baggage claims and opened fire. Exclusive body camera footage, obtained by WSMV4 Investigates from multiple airport officers, has revealed the frantic moments that unfolded during the incident.

At approximately 7:06 a.m., the video captures Sydnee Thomas walking through the doors of BNA. Merely a minute later, she brandishes a firearm, sending shockwaves throughout the airport. The exact manner in which the news spread remains uncertain, but the footage depicts an immediate and coordinated response from the airport police. One officer can be seen sprinting at full speed, while another camera captures Officer Jacob Cissell initially walking and then breaking into a run as he becomes aware of the shooting.

Officer Cissell swiftly joins forces with another officer, who utters, “She’s got a gun.” Despite heavy civilian foot traffic in the area, the video portrays a relatively calm and orderly atmosphere devoid of panic. Cissell’s body camera footage shows him maneuvering around a wall and discovering Thomas lying on the floor.

In the video, Officer Cissell instructs Thomas, “Hands out in front of you, right now.” Thomas responds, “They’re going to kill me.” A phone is visible near her face as she remains on the ground. The subsequent incident report reveals that Thomas was engaged in a phone conversation with her mother at the time of the shooting. The video also reveals the reason behind Thomas being on the ground – she had accidentally shot herself in the leg. The officers promptly secure the weapon and begin providing aid to Thomas.

According to the incident report, Thomas had three additional rounds in the gun’s magazine, along with an extra magazine and a folding knife. As Thomas is carefully transported on a stretcher to an awaiting ambulance, the police make a startling discovery – a bullet lodged in the ceiling. This finding suggests that Thomas had intended to shoot herself but missed.

In an exclusive interview with WSMV4 Investigates, Jeffrey Price, a professor of Aviation and Aerospace Science and an airport security analyst, shared his perspective on the ease with which individuals can enter airports and carry out such attacks. Price emphasized the challenge of defending public areas due to their accessibility. He explained that after incidents like the one on April 17, there are ongoing discussions within the airport industry about relocating security checks to the front entrance. However, Price cautioned that such a move merely relocates the potential threat to a potentially more hazardous area, where cars are in motion and people are being dropped off or picked up.

Price affirmed that airports are equipped with a robust security presence, as evident from the video, enabling swift responses to any potential shooter. He also emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparedness, stating that everyone should be familiar with the “run, hide, fight” response protocol.

In a statement to WSMV4 Investigates, a spokesperson for BNA expressed deep pride in the swift actions of their Department of Public Safety, staff, and volunteers in responding to the April 17 incident. The spokesperson specifically commended the efforts and bravery of Earnest Cobble, a former airport employee turned volunteer, for his role in deescalating the situation.

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