From Deseret News archives:
U.S. imposes code-red alert for terror, bans liquids from airline carry-ons
The heightened restrictions triggered long lines at airports across the country, and governors in at least three states ordered National Guard troops to help provide security.
"This was a well-advanced plan," Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff told reporters as British authorities announced the arrests of 24 alleged plotters. "In some respects suggestive of an al-Qaida plot."
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said as many as 10 flights had been targeted.
Other officials said the plotters had hoped to bring the planes down in a cascade of horror over the Atlantic Ocean, possibly within days. They said the plan involved the use of a peroxide-based solution, flammable when sparked by innocent-appearing small electronic devices. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitive nature of the subject.
The targets included United, American and Continental Airlines flights from Britain to major U.S. destinations of New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., officials said.
In brief remarks from Green Bay, Wis., President Bush said the events showed the nation "is at war with Islamic fascists."
The red alert for flights from Britain was the first since the color-coded warning system was developed after the 2001 terror attacks. The decision to ban nearly all liquids from passenger cabins was reminiscent of the stringent rules imposed when planes were allowed back in the skies for the first time afterward the Sept. 11 attacks.
"No liquids or gels will be allowed in carry-on baggage," Chertoff said. "There will be exceptions for baby formula and medicines, but travelers must be prepared to present these items for inspection at the checkpoint, and that will allow us to take a look at them and make sure that they're safe to fly."
That meant water containers, soft drinks, coffee cups and more had to be shed by passengers waiting to board their flights.
Women travelers surrendered bottles and jars of creams and lotions from their makeup kits.
At Dulles, one passenger fished a bottle of Tequila from a carry-on bag. It joined the rest of the newly classified contraband in a trash container.
It was not clear how long the restrictions would remain in effect. One lawmaker, Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., said the situation "eliminates the days of carry-on baggage."
The plot quickly became grist for the midterm election campaign.
Comments
- Gas prices drop 3 cents 5:01 p.m.
- Sp. Fork man arrested in thefts 4:17 p.m.
- Nurse charged with abuse of teens 4:15 p.m.
- Downtown plans three-day 'Eve' 3:44 p.m.
- Small-business conditions improve 3:41 p.m.
- Pair arrested in Provo burglary 3:36 p.m.
- Summit Co. appoints first manager 3:24 p.m.
- Man sentenced to 7 years in death 3:21 p.m.
- Senate Dems at odds over insurance 3:20 p.m.
- U.S.: $3B to end tribe royalty dispute 3:09 p.m.
- BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
- Yet again, we learn BCS is a big joke
- Storm pounds Utah for 2nd day
- Williams' late jumper tops Spurs
- Cougars in better mood about bowl
- Ranking the bowl games
- Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims
- $2M error could mean layoffs
- Dr.: Mitchell seeks signs from God
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
275 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
203 - Letters: Global warming a lie
202 - Cougars going back to Vegas
147 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
146 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
141 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
101 - Harpring's NBA career is over
98 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
87
"(There are many) superior alternatives to the kind of proof-texting,...
estimate what it costs taxpayers to pay for each person incarcerated and then...
This is what you get when you have a government that feels it is THEIR roll...
Anderson is a pirate. He should go to jail and be roommates with Bubba.
Let the racist remarks questioning is legal status begin.
@Sokol man you said it. Who else on our team is going to deliver like he is?...
This article implies Majerus would not play anyone or that the HC was half...
What a Jackass... Nothing else necessary!
Uh red shirt... | 1:10 p.m. said: "If I'm going to pay someone for insurance,...
Brandt seems to have a few employees making postings. The favorable remarks...



You can be the first to comment on this story.