Richard Reid Shoe Bombing Attempt
December 22nd, 2001
December 22nd, 2001
How Long Ago?
23 years, 2 months, 21 days ago
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Richard Reid
- Passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 63
- Flight attendants of American Airlines
Links & References
Tags
Richard Reid Shoe Bombing Attempt
Richard Reid, known as the 'Shoe Bomber', attempted to detonate explosives concealed in his shoes while aboard American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami. Armed with a lit match, he aimed to blow up the airplane, but passengers and crew members quickly subdued him. This incident raised alarms about aviation security and led to enhanced security measures at airports worldwide.
Attempted bombing involved explosives in shoes
Passengers subdued Richard Reid during the flight
Flight diverted to Boston as a precaution
Led to increased airport security worldwide
What Happened?
Richard Reid, a British citizen, boarded American Airlines Flight 63 in Paris, France, intending to travel to Miami, Florida. Concealed within his shoes were explosives, which he hoped to detonate during the flight. Onboard the flight, after igniting a match and attempting to light the explosives, alarms were raised by other passengers. Reid's actions startled everyone onboard, prompting several passengers and flight attendants to intervene immediately. They managed to subdue him before the bomb could be detonated, securing him and the aircraft. The flight, which had been filled with 197 passengers and crew members, was diverted to an emergency landing in Boston, where Reid was turned over to law enforcement. The incident underscored significant vulnerabilities in airline security protocols and prompted immediate changes across the aviation industry.
Why Does it Matter?
The attempted bombing by Richard Reid is notable as it heightened global awareness surrounding airline security practices. In the immediate aftermath, security measures were dramatically intensified, leading to the implementation of more rigorous screening procedures at airports worldwide. The incident also spurred the development of advanced security technologies and reinforced the importance of passenger vigilance.
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