Passengers leaving from the domestic terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) saw a shocking scene after a woman carrying a knife faced airport police after stabbing three people.
On October 11, 2023, in the early afternoon, the incident took place. According to Atlanta media outlet WSBTV, the suspect, 44-year-old Damaris Milton, is accused of stabbing a taxi driver who took her to the airport.
After that, Damaris entered the airport, where she was met by airport security, who made an effort to contain her in one location. Damaris stabbed an Atlanta Police Department (APD) officer and a female airport employee as officers tried to persuade her to put down the knife.
The 71-year-old police officer, who had reportedly retired and returned to duty, was stabbed in the thigh and suffered a severed artery.
🚨 An incident in ATL’s domestic terminal this afternoon is being cleared. Impacts to operations are minimal. There is no threat to the public. pic.twitter.com/kQaPB9qChQ
— Atlanta Airport (@ATLairport) October 11, 2023
Those waiting in line for security checks witnessed the incident, and a few were able to record it on camera and post it to social media X (previously known as Twitter).
In one video, Damaris could be seen pacing the area while still holding the knife despite police orders for her to put it down. Damaris is seen and heard using the knife to argue with the police.
Airport police instructed people waiting in line to lie down while the incident took place.
Yes, and here is a better video of the lady with a knife, too! pic.twitter.com/lxC95JcZJI
— Mitch Jergensen (@MJergy) October 11, 2023
After the encounter, Damaris was taken into custody and placed under arrest. No reported injuries were considered life-threatening as the victims were taken to a hospital.
At Atlanta Airport, no flights were impacted despite the disturbing incident.
“Female with a knife tried to stab someone” at ATL airport pic.twitter.com/JAD0iTMotB
— Sarah Nagem (@sarah_nagem) October 11, 2023
