According to KTLA and The Associated Press, the panic began about 9 p.m. PDT when hundreds of travelers ran onto the tarmac and surrounding streets after hearing the noises or false reports of a gunman.
LAPD spokesman Andy Neiman later tweeted, "Report of shooting at LAX proved to be LOUD NOISES only," adding that investigators were trying to determine what had caused the noises.
CNN reports that the Federal Aviation Administration issued a 30-minute ground stop. Three terminals and nearby roads were temporarily closed, and many passengers had to go through security screening again, according to the AP.
According to CNN, up to 23 flights were diverted and 68 were delayed during the scare.
During the commotion, Paula Leonhauser saw a man in a Zorro costume who appeared to be greeting his girlfriend, she told KTLA.
The airport confirmed on its Twitter account that the man had been detained but did not disclose any other details. CNN reports that the man had nothing to do with the incident and was on his way to Las Vegas.
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