No evidence of active shooter near Rochester airport

Rochester, New York – In order to investigate the report of a “possible active shooter,” on Friday morning, a large police presence responded to Scottsville Road near the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.

According to Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter, there were no injuries reported, no evidence of an active shooter, and there is no threat to the community.

The police presence was significant; responding agencies included the FBI, New York State Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rochester Police Department.

This wasn’t a circumstance of “SWATTING,” a practice of falsely reporting emergencies to cause a response from police, fire departments, or EMS, the sheriff said. According to the sheriff, the threat originated from messages between employees after a colleague was let go and rumors escalated.

He was proud of the prompt response and relieved that no one was hurt, the sheriff said.

According to police, multiple buildings were searched and occupants evacuated. A K9 sweep was also conducted.

Shortly before 2 p.m., the area of Scottsville Road near the airport reopened to traffic.

According to a Rochester airport spokesperson, no flights have been delayed due to the investigation.