Last week's tragic shooting at LAX claimed the life of a TSA agent who took pride in his job. INSIDE EDITION has the story.
Exclusive video of the TSA agent who was gunned down at Los Angeles International Airport has been released.
Gerardo Hernandez can be seen in the video checking ID's and boarding passes at a security gate. The video shows him talking to Kris Jenner, mother of Kim Kardashian as she passed through security.
The moment of sheer panic inside the terminal on Friday, was captured on a cell phone video as passengers stampeded out of the building after the shooting began.
Colleagues say Hernandez, a father of two, always spoke with passengers with a friendly smile, as he did in the video with Jenner.
He was the first TSA agent to be killed in the line of duty in the 12-year history of the agency. He was just 39, and would have celebrated his 40th birthday this week. Instead of a birthday party, his family is planning a funeral.
Authorities believe the suspected gunman likely arrived at Terminal Three with his assault rifle concealed and walked through automatic doors into the building. The gunman then allegedly pulled out the rifle and began firing on a TSA agent at the base of the escalator, he allegedly turned and noticed the agent was still moving and fired again before continuing on.
He shot two more agents and a passenger at a security gate. One of the victims was high school teacher Brian Ludmer, a former Eagle Scout. Ludmer tied a tourniquet around his leg and hid in a closet until police arrived.
As the gunfire erupted, people in the terminal scattered for safety. The gunman continued to walk down a long corridor and headed straight for the gates. According to an eyewitness who declined to go on camera, they showed INSIDE EDITION where the gunman was finally taken down by police.
The accused gunman, Paul Ciancia, originally from Pennsville, New Jersey, is in critical condition under guard in the hospital.
A bouquet of flowers and a religious candle mark the spot where Hernandez was fatally shot.
Hernandez’ distraught wife of 15 years, Ana, is a marketing manager with Warner Brothers. She spoke with reporters outside their home saying, "He was a joyful person, always smiling. He took pride working for the American public and the TSA mission.”