Airports to Scrutinize Electronic Gadgets
Posted on: Tuesday, 5 August 2003, 06:00 CDT
CD players, cameras, laptops and other electronic devices will get greater scrutiny at airports after the government issued a warning Tuesday that terrorists may try to use such items to conceal weapons or bombs.
The Homeland Security Department sent an advisory to law enforcement personnel nationwide alerting them to the possibility al-Qaida could use electronics to carry out attacks.
"Recent reporting indicates al-Qaida may attempt to modify common electronic items carried by air travelers, such as cameras, for use as weapons in order to circumvent improved security screening," the advisory said.
The advisory also said terrorists could design such devices to be used against government buildings, public areas with controlled access and security screening checkpoints.
Davis Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association, predicted inconveniences for travelers, including longer lines at security checkpoints.
"They're going to be subject to extraordinary scrutiny," Stempler said. But, he added, "I'd be disappointed if they weren't doing anything different, given these warnings."
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On the Net:
TSA: http://www.tsa.gov
Homeland Security: http://www.dhs.gov
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