Josh Kolsrud Talks With Fox10 News About Christmas Night Shooting At Sky Harbor Airport

This past Christmas night, Sky Harbor Airport became the scene of a chaotic and tragic series of events. Two people were shot, one was stabbed, and a separate incident involving a man with firearms unfolded shortly after. These events have raised questions about airport security, legal consequences, and the investigation process.

 

Phoenix criminal defense attorney Josh Kolsrud of Kolsrud Law Offices joined Fox10 News to discuss the legal implications of the incidents and what comes next.

 

The Initial Altercation: A Complex Case

On Christmas night, a violent altercation broke out in a public area of the airport, prior to the security checkpoint. According to Kolsrud, five individuals were involved in the incident, which included both a stabbing and a shooting.

 

“All indications suggest that the parties knew each other,” Kolsrud explained. “At some point, a teenager allegedly pulled a knife, and another individual responded by shooting three people. Airport security acted swiftly to apprehend everyone involved before they could escape.”

 

The incident now rests in the hands of prosecutors, who must determine whether any legitimate self-defense claims exist and uncover the motivations behind the fight.

 

The Legal Timeline

High-profile cases like this often take time to unravel. Kolsrud noted that in Arizona, prosecutors have 48 hours to press charges when a suspect is in custody.

 

“If charges aren’t filed within that time frame, the suspects must be released,” Kolsrud said. “However, prosecutors and law enforcement still have up to seven years to decide if they have enough evidence to bring charges.”

 

The case’s location at an airport adds another layer of complexity, as federal charges and investigations could come into play. “The FBI will likely want to know why someone brought a firearm or a knife to the airport and whether there was any intent to breach security,” Kolsrud added.

 

A Separate Incident: Suicide by Cop

Two hours after the initial altercation, a separate and equally troubling event occurred. A man, reportedly mentally distressed, arrived at the airport armed with three firearms.

 

“This individual mistakenly believed there was an active shooter at the airport and showed up with two handguns and a rifle,” Kolsrud explained. “But it wasn’t to help anyone—he wanted to commit suicide by cop.”

 

The man handed two of his weapons to a security guard and then reportedly shouted at police officers, urging them to kill him.

 

Potential Charges and Penalties

When asked about the potential legal consequences for the individuals involved, Kolsrud outlined the severity of the charges:

 

• Aggravated Assault: Any assault involving a weapon, such as a firearm or knife, is elevated to a class 3 dangerous felony in Arizona. This carries mandatory prison time of 5 to 15 years.
• Attempted Murder: Prosecutors may also pursue attempted murder charges, a class 2 felony with penalties ranging from 7 to 21 years in prison.

“These are serious charges with significant penalties,” Kolsrud emphasized.

 

What Comes Next

As investigations continue, authorities will need to untangle the motives, actions, and evidence surrounding both incidents. The legal process is expected to take time, given the high-profile nature of the case and the involvement of multiple parties.

 

For those affected, this Christmas night incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in public spaces. Kolsrud closed his discussion by thanking Fox10 News for the opportunity to share insights and expressing hope for a resolution to the troubling events.

 

Stay tuned for updates as this case develops.