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Investigation Finds Bomb Parts Bypassed Security Screeners
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ShareNovember 14, 2007 6:40 PM
ABC News' David Kerley and Tom Shine Report: Despite increased screening measures at airport security checkpoints, undercover government agents were able to get past screeners with materials that could be used to make a bomb for the second year in a row.
According to a new Government Accountability Office report, government investigators were able to pass through 19 Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, carrying potential bomb components bought at local stores and on the internet for less than $150.
Two of the investigators were able to pass through security and onto planes with components that could be used to make an improvised explosive device, or IED, or an improvised incendiary device or fire bomb, known as an IID, the investigation found.
The devices were strong enough, the investigators say, to cause serious damage to an airliner in flight.
"We've got to fix this and it can be fixed," said House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif. "We've got to make sure that we protect people who fly. Not just them but all those who could be vulnerable if a terrorist gets through the screening process."
The GAO investigators say they found publicly available instructions to make their bombs, and then devised a way to conceal those liquids, and other materials, from TSA screeners.
The findings do not fault the screeners, saying, "in most cases, transportation security officers appeared to follow TSA procedures and used technology appropriately."
Investigators say the real problem is that the technology and practices now in use fail to detect bomb making materials like those the agents were able to carry on to the planes.
"TSA has been getting funds, billions of dollars and they've had six years to do the job," Waxman said.
The investigators shared their conclusions with TSA back in September, and TSA administrator Kip Hawley will appear on Capitol Hill tomorrow at a hearing before Waxman's committee.
Hawley is expected to say that there is nothing new in the report, and that technology is not a silver bullet.
November 14, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (28)
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"m": Why don't you remind "Eric", that Kerry received TWO PURPLE HEARTS in VIETNAM, while Bush "found" A WAY OUT OF serving his country!!!
Posted by: mod rit | Nov 15, 2007 7:02:59 AM
Granted, the Bush Kerry subject is off topic, BUT, Bush didn't fake his injuries to get home. I think this is a well known FACT at this point. Those purple hearts a bogus.
Posted by: John | Nov 15, 2007 8:10:57 AM
Kerry lost to the doofus. It's all water under the bridge now.
Posted by: Bob | Nov 15, 2007 8:29:59 AM
Back to the story:
The last 4 times I flew (once to Phoenix and back, Flagstaff and back, LA and back and Chicago and back)I was able to leave my lighter in my jacket pocket or purse and no one caught it. I wasn't trying to get away with it either, I just forgot it was in there. They did however confiscate my deadly water bottle.
Posted by: Whitney | Nov 15, 2007 9:10:15 AM
I'm not surprised that bomb parts weren't found, the way we publicize our every method of searching, what to bring/what not to take, the terriorist know exactly what and how they can smugggle anything onto a plane. Why do we need to broadcast our every move? Does it not occur to anyone that they watch TV as well?
Posted by: atticusjo | Nov 15, 2007 11:37:23 AM
Lighters are no longer a prohibited item.
Posted by: Tom | Nov 15, 2007 1:20:57 PM
I'm surpised and not surpised, airport security is kind of tight. For instance when I went to flordia from maine they checked everything of mine. But its when they get lazy that they start to miss some important objects. They tend to dwell on non-important objects like dvd players inside of scissors! I guess they should just have body x-rays maybe that would solve something!
Posted by: nequa | Nov 15, 2007 4:29:34 PM
yet another place the govt fails americans............
Posted by: dk | Nov 16, 2007 1:53:28 AM
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