LAX Shooting Suspect Upgraded to Fair Condition

NEW JERSEY 101.5

The suspect in a shooting at Los Angeles International Airport that left a Transportation Security Administration officer dead has been upgraded to fair condition on the same day a memorial service was held for the slain agent.

Gerardo Hernandez became the first TSA officer killed in the line of duty Nov. 1 when a man authorities say held a grudge against the agency opened fire at the airport's Terminal 3.

Paul Ciancia was shot by police and remains hospitalized. His condition was upgraded Tuesday from critical to fair. He has been charged with crimes that could get him the death penalty.

Some 500 people turned out Tuesday to honor Hernandez at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, including the two agents who were wounded.

Fellow TSA Officer Lisandro Jimenez said of Hernandez, "His charisma was contagious."

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)