Author Topic: Get down! He's got a gun! (Read 366 times)

gofaster · « **on:** September 25, 2003, 12:16:54 PM »

U.S. Soldiers Returned from Iraq Spark Airport Scare
Thu Sep 25, 8:39 AM ET

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Two U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq (news - web sites) were taken into custody at Philadelphia International Airport after a baggage handler saw what looked like a small arsenal of weapons in their carry-on bags, authorities said on Thursday.

The weapons, which shut down an airport concourse security checkpoint and brought out bomb-sniffing police dogs on Wednesday night, turned out to be a set of souvenirs, including ornamental knives from Iraq and cigarette lighters made to resemble a hand grenade and a semi-automatic handgun, authorities said.

"As the two individuals were passing through the checkpoint, screeners saw something in the bags and called the dogs. The dogs hit on the bags," said airport spokesman Mark Pesce.

The two soldiers were among a group of five trying to board a commercial flight to Kansas City after returning from Iraq through Spain. The pair was taken into custody by Philadelphia police and later turned over to Army police. Their three companions continued on their journey.

Authorities believe the bomb-sniffing dogs were drawn to the carry-on bags by munitions residue left over from the soldiers' duty tour in Iraq.

Sixpence · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:19:28 PM »

Would it have been better if they had not spotted it?

muckmaw · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:23:11 PM »

Not at all.

At least we know Philly is on the ball.

Sixpence · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:25:46 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by muckmaw
Not at all.

At least we know Philly is on the ball.

My point exactly.

Mini D · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:27:06 PM »

Ornamental knives? LOL! Nice distinction.

BTW... I don't quite understand the comments you have in bold... or more to the point... why you put them in bold lettering. Do you see some kind of problem with that?

MiniD

rpm · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:47:24 PM »

I had a similar experience changing planes in San Francisco in 79. Was going home on leave and had a knife in my checked luggage. Took about an hour in a little room with 2 US Marshalls to get the mess cleared up.

SOB · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:10:48 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Mini D
BTW... I don't quite understand the comments you have in bold... or more to the point... why you put them in bold lettering. Do you see some kind of problem with that?

This is why I generally don't read any of Gofaster's posts that are news articles. He never posts a link and always either bolds this or that or adds his own commentary to it.

gofaster · « **Reply #7 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:47:11 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Mini D
Ornamental knives? LOL! Nice distinction.

BTW... I don't quite understand the comments you have in bold... or more to the point... why you put them in bold lettering. Do you see some kind of problem with that?

MiniD

Just hitting the key parts for those doing speedreading.

I'm surprised they got that stuff out of Iraq. Doesn't the military scan for that and warn their people about what to do at check-in so as not to trigger security? And why didn't Spain get a hit on it? At least the boys in Philly are on the job.

gofaster · « **Reply #8 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:50:14 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by SOB
This is why I generally don't read any of Gofaster's posts that are news articles. He never posts a link and always either bolds this or that or adds his own commentary to it.

Right up front

"Reuters"

Actually, this one came from Yahoo News. In fact, its already been pulled from its "Top Stories" section where I got it originally. Yahoo tends to expire its stories quickly.

SOB · « **Reply #9 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:52:25 PM »

Oh yeah...I never doubt the validity of the stuff you post, I just find the bolding and commentary distracting. Sometimes I do actually go find it if I think it's something I'll be interested in.