US Confirms AA Passenger's Explosive I-Spy Footwear

Via NY Transfer News * All the News That Doesn't Fit


US Officials Confirm AA Passenger's Explosive I-Spy Footwear

NEW YORK, Dec 23 (PTI, AFP)--Investigators have confirmed the
presence of an explosive device inside the shoes of the passenger on
Paris-Miami American Airlines', who was overpowered before he could
detonate it.

The officials are conducting more tests to determine the type of
explosive device and whether they contained plastic explosives.
"There will be further tests to determine exactly what he had," an
official said.

In London, the Scotland Yard reportedly identified the 28-year old
man, now being held in the United States, as a British citizen named
Richard Reid. They also feel he might be going by others names and is
also probing wheather he holds Sri Lankan citizenship too.

There are also reports that the man had converted to Islam and is
also named Tariq Raja and Abedel Rahi.

The suspect, now in FBI custody in Southern Massachasetts, has been
charges of assault and interfering with a flight attendant but they
could be upgraded to more serious charges now following confirmation
that he was carying explosives.

Reports from Paris quoting French police say he had tried to board
the same flight a day earlier (Friday) but was turned away as
according to police he was "behaving bizarrely, was agitated and had
a worrying look". (PTI, AFP)

 
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nytmid-12.24.01-01:58:04-10508