One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Police Increase Security at LAX Following Incident on United Airlines Flight [Updated]
Airport Police beefed up security at LAX tonight after a Qatari diplomatic was apparently detained by a federal air marshall during a flight between Washington D.C. and Denver. Officials say it is too early to say what exactly happened, but the man was thought to be lighting something--whether if it was his shoe, a cigarette or something else is unknown.
"Los Angeles Airport Police has raised its security profile and visibility," said Los Angeles Airport Police Chief George R. Centeno. "Heightened uniformed traffic and terminal foot beats, as well as, perimeter patrols have been deployed. Los Angeles Airport Police also have additional security measures in place that are considered security sensitive."
United Flight 663 landed safely in Denver, escorted by F-16 fighters that were scrambled after authorities were alerted to the incident. 157 passengers and six crew members were aboard.
Update (via Gothamist): NBC News' Pete Williams says, based on information so far, it seems like the diplomat was smoking and made an inappropriate remark in response to the air marshal's inquiry. And investigators reportedly did not find explosives in the shoes.
A US security official tells ABC News "it may have been a massive misunderstanding" and the diplomat might have been "sarcastic" when he allegedly said, "I'm lighting my shoes on fire."
Update #2: The man apparently is Mohammed Yaaqob Y.M. Al-Madadi, who is the third secretary for the Qatari Embassy in Washington. He was "trying to sneak a smoke," reported the Associated Press.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
