This item is in Slate's "Today's Papers" feature for 10/9/01. I can't find reference to it elsewhere. Are there any more details? It sounds like a major story if it's true.
"USAT fronts and everybody else stuffs word that yesterday a man broke into the cockpit of a Los Angeles to Chicago airliner. After a struggle during which the plane rocked violently, the man was subdued by passengers and, escorted by Air Force fighters, the aircraft then made a safe landing in Chicago."
Yes, I read this today but I can't remember where (I'll look.) Apparently it was a 31 year old American Male traveling with his father. He has a history of mental problems which cause him to act irrationally at times. No weapons were used, and the plane was never in jeapordy. The story I read said that he was immediately jumped and wrestled to the ground by practically every passenger on board. Two F-16's intercepted the plane and shadowed it to the nearest airport.
This isn't what I saw earlier, but it's the same story.
Here's better coverage from the Chicago Tribune.
Phrasing is everything. "Airline officials said the episode was not related to terrorism." Of course it was related, even if the offender was not a terrorist (or "tearist" as Ashcroft likes to say). The mentally unstable are like coal mine canaries, displaying symptoms most of us are able to suppress. Engendering paranoia is one of the aims of terrorism. There's also an interesting change going on as passengers are now being encouraged to intervene in such matters. It used to be that law enforcement generally advocated passivity when citizens are confronted with a criminal. "Just give them your money; don't put up a fight." Situations vary, and this might or might not be sensible, but the message sent was that the authorities (or the criminals) have power and control; you don't, so don't complicate matters. If they're now asking us to get involved it would seem to suggest that things are out of control.
When I first started riding school buses it was a bit of a free-for-all, later designated Moms would be assigned to "moniter" the school bus goings ons, cafateria too. I saw that story on cbs yesterday and I agree with Alex about the change in terms of passenger engagement. Will that be reverted when assigned skymarshals take back over every single jet, Greyhound, Metro North, Path, Metro liner and Lightrail and subway ? Will Bernie Getz be consulted ?
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"USAT fronts and everybody else stuffs word that yesterday a man broke into the cockpit of a Los Angeles to Chicago airliner. After a struggle during which the plane rocked violently, the man was subdued by passengers and, escorted by Air Force fighters, the aircraft then made a safe landing in Chicago."
- tom moody 10-09-2001 6:43 pm
Yes, I read this today but I can't remember where (I'll look.) Apparently it was a 31 year old American Male traveling with his father. He has a history of mental problems which cause him to act irrationally at times. No weapons were used, and the plane was never in jeapordy. The story I read said that he was immediately jumped and wrestled to the ground by practically every passenger on board. Two F-16's intercepted the plane and shadowed it to the nearest airport.
- jim 10-09-2001 6:47 pm [add a comment]
This isn't what I saw earlier, but it's the same story.
- jim 10-09-2001 6:56 pm [add a comment]
Here's better coverage from the Chicago Tribune.
- jim 10-09-2001 7:01 pm [add a comment]
Thanks. I guess the violent and disturbed will be useful for practice drills.
- tom moody 10-09-2001 10:20 pm [add a comment]
Phrasing is everything. "Airline officials said the episode was not related to terrorism." Of course it was related, even if the offender was not a terrorist (or "tearist" as Ashcroft likes to say). The mentally unstable are like coal mine canaries, displaying symptoms most of us are able to suppress. Engendering paranoia is one of the aims of terrorism. There's also an interesting change going on as passengers are now being encouraged to intervene in such matters. It used to be that law enforcement generally advocated passivity when citizens are confronted with a criminal. "Just give them your money; don't put up a fight." Situations vary, and this might or might not be sensible, but the message sent was that the authorities (or the criminals) have power and control; you don't, so don't complicate matters. If they're now asking us to get involved it would seem to suggest that things are out of control.
- alex 10-09-2001 8:55 pm [add a comment]
When I first started riding school buses it was a bit of a free-for-all, later designated Moms would be assigned to "moniter" the school bus goings ons, cafateria too. I saw that story on cbs yesterday and I agree with Alex about the change in terms of passenger engagement. Will that be reverted when assigned skymarshals take back over every single jet, Greyhound, Metro North, Path, Metro liner and Lightrail and subway ? Will Bernie Getz be consulted ?
- bill 10-10-2001 12:24 am [add a comment]