Man arrested after bomb threat at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida – According to authorities, a 74-year-old man was arrested after he claimed he had a bomb in his possession during a dispute at a Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ticket counter, prompting deputies to evacuate three terminals while they investigated.

Wegal Rosen was engaged in a heated verbal dispute with a ticket counter employee in Terminal 2, at around 8:30 a.m., Saturday, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

According to investigators, Rosen attempted to walk away from the ticket counter without his carry-on luggage.

When the employee advised the suspect that he needed to take his luggage with him, Rosen told him there was a bomb in the bag.

According to authorities, Rosen left the bag and headed to Terminal 3.

BSO deputies, along with BSO’s Bomb Squad and Threat Management Unit detectives, responded to the airport to investigate. They evacuated and swept Terminals 2, 3, and 4.

Meanwhile, deputies located Rosen and took him into custody. They determined the threat to be unfounded.

Drivers heading to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport were stuck in traffic for hours.

“We haven’t moved in quite a while, so it’s pretty standstill out here,” said a passenger.

“We’ve been here since 9 o’clock this morning,” said another passenger.

Just before 12:45 p.m., officials confirmed the terminals were secured, and deputies had reopened entry to the airport.

Police say Rosen is being held at the Broward County Main Jail. He faces a charge of false reporting concerning planting a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction.