A Christmas Day shooting at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, which left four people injured, is under investigation, with police citing family disputes as the cause of the violence.
On December 25, 2023, around 9:45 PM, chaos erupted at Terminal 4 of the airport, where multiple shots were fired outside of the security checkpoints, leading to immediate medical attention and police intervention. Four individuals were transported to local hospitals following the shooting, including one adult woman facing life-threatening injuries, and two adult males who were stable. A teenage boy, also involved, sustained injuries during the altercation but was reported stable.
According to police reports, the incident stemmed from what officers described as “a family dispute.” During the fracas, one of the men involved pulled out a firearm and began firing, injuring the woman and the teenage boy. This prompted one of the other men present to attempt to defend himself, resulting in him being stabbed. Police apprehended two individuals—one underage girl and the adult male with stab wounds—at the airport parking garage nearby. Authorities confirmed no arrests were made immediately as the investigation continued, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Sgt. Mayra Reeson of the Phoenix Police shared her thoughts during the aftermath, stating, "I do believe this was a family dispute escalation," addressing the relationship between the attackers and those injured. She also expressed the concerns of those at the airport during the chaotic evening, explaining, "Of course this was scary, this was Christmas evening, everybody’s trying to get home."
Just hours after the shooting, another bizarre scenario unfolded when 21-year-old Cole Nenon arrived at the airport with firearms, claiming to respond to the earlier shooting. Onlookers observed when Nenon, who had been told about the shooting by a relative, approached officers and demanded they arrest him, shouting, “Kill me! Kill me!”
Witnesses noted Nenon’s unusual behavior as he appeared shirtless and without shoes. According to the police, when officers attempted to detain him, Nenon resisted arrest, resulting in a physical struggle. Police reported he tried to flee but was subdued once again. Officers recovered three firearms associated with him, leading them to suspect his mental state may have been affected by substances.
Nenon was arrested on charges of aggravated assault against the police. During his first court appearance, he was ordered held on a $10,000 secured appearance bond. If he manages to post bond, he is subject to stringent monitoring and will only be allowed to return to the airport with permission from multiple authorities, including the Transportation Security Administration and the Phoenix Police Department.
The earlier incident created heightened tension, with the airport temporarily closing some security checkpoints and restaurant services following the shots fired. Video footage taken during the time displayed the rush of law enforcement responding to the scene, highlighting the potentially chaotic nature of traveling during the busy Christmas season.
Both incidents at the Sky Harbor International Airport, one linked and one unrelated, reveal the risks posed during what is typically seen as a festive time for families traveling to reunite. These events have prompted renewed discussions on airport security and public safety measures from authorities, as travelers continue to seek security and peace during the holiday season.
A subject of this inquiry remains whether the individuals involved were actually traveling or simply gathered at the airport for differing reasons. Investigators from the Phoenix Police Department continue to gather statements and evidence, diligently piecing the facts together to understand the motivation behind such violence occurring at one of the busiest airports in the country.
Authorities reaffirm their commitment to thorough investigations, as the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport remains vigilant against any activities jeopardizing traveler safety.
