John F. Kennedy Airport in New York was evacuated on Sunday (local time) after reports of shots fired at two separate terminals.

New York Police reportedly received two calls — one just after 9.30pm in Terminal 8, and the other around 10.15pm in Terminal 1.

However, investigations have discovered no evidence of gunfire, the airport’s operator said, while no gun casings were found after a search of Terminal 8.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said on Twitter: “The terminal was evacuated out of an abundance of caution. Travellers should contact their carriers.”

Social media users confirmed the presence of NYPD Emergency Services Unit officers with automatic weapons as passengers took cover outside.

https://twitter.com/S118869/status/765028456304250880

The New York Post reported that thousands of travellers were estimated to have been evacuated.

On Saturday, reports of gunfire sent a crowded mall in Raleigh, North Carolina, into chaos. The Crabtree Valley Mall was placed on lockdown in the early afternoon after several shoppers reported hearing gunfire, but a search turned up no suspects or bullet casings.

-with agencies