The unintentional discharge of a passenger's handgun in a security area of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport sparked widespread alarm Saturday afternoon, forcing a brief halt to departing planes during the busy travel weekend.

The Transportation Security Administration said in a statement that three persons received non-life threatening injuries.

No injuries had been recorded, according to Atlanta police.

The injured were not shot, but were hurt during the escape, according to a person familiar with the matter.