Statement from Department of Homeland Security [UK Airline Terror Plot]

Department of Homeland Security ^ | August 10, 2006 | Secretary Michael Chertoff

[HAL9000]

The Department of Homeland Security is taking immediate steps to increase security measures in the aviation sector in coordination with heightened security precautions in the United Kingdom. Over the last few hours, British authorities have arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a substantial plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. Currently, there is no indication, however, of plotting within the United States. We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted.

For that reason, the United States Government has raised the nation’s threat level to Severe, or Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States. This adjustment reflects the Critical, or highest, alert level that has been implemented in the United Kingdom. To defend further against any remaining threat from this plot, we will also raise the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States. Consistent with these higher threat levels, the Transportation Security Administration is coordinating with federal partners, airport authorities and commercial airlines on expanding the intensity of existing security requirements. Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane. This determination will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant. These changes will take effect at 4:00 AM local time across the country. Travelers should also anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints.

These measures will continue to assure that our aviation system remains safe and secure. Travelers should go about their plans confidently, while maintaining vigilance in their surroundings and exercising patience with screening and security officials.

The United States and the United Kingdom are fully united and resolute in this effort and in our ongoing efforts to secure our respective homelands.

[Jim Noble]

time to line up the ships and begin the mass deportations

This is a very simple problem, which can be solved in a month with a few steps.

1) Cancel all visas for citizens or subjects of Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, KSA, and Pakistan.

2) Allow a grace period of 72 hours for all former visa holders to report to concentration points designated by the Secretary of Defense.

3) At the concentration points, ascertain whether any such former visa holders are performing services of critical value to the security of the United States, and re-issue their visae.

4) Arrange transportation to their home countries for the rest.

5) Declare any remainers (former visa holders or citizens/subjects from the above states here illegally) enemy combatants and arrest or execute them as prudence dictates.

I first posted these simple steps on the afternoon of 9/11/01. It still shocks me that they were not carried out then, but they still are required.

[Galtoid]

Your problem is that you make too much sense.

[phantomworker]

Thanks for the alert.

[MineralMan]

""Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane."
Does this mean I can't put my whisky bottle even in my checked baggage? It is inexcusable that they can't explain themselves clearly and unambiguously. Publik Skool training at work, no doubt."

---

Let's take a look at that, OK? It clearly stated that liquids were prohibited from being CARRIED on the airplane. Last time I flew, I didn't carry my checked luggage on the plane. Some guy threw it into the baggage hold, where any whiskey bottle that had been in there would have been broken.

Reading is FUNdamental.

[Xenalyte]

You don't carry what gets checked.

[veronica]

Scary stuff. A reminder that while the Murthas and Sheehans of the world are carrying on, real work is being done behind the scenes by people who don't seek the spotlight.

[Xenalyte]

And if you want to convey that the event in question is quite momentous, you use an intensifier such as "very," which is preferably spelled "vey."

So if something is deemed both hugh AND vey series, you are justified in disconnecting your computer, turning off all the lights, bringing your family to a central location (preferably windowless), and waiting quietly for the all-clear to sound.

(At least, that's what I've gathered, but I'm easily confused.)

[Neanderthal]

"You don't carry what gets checked."

You don't carry it on the plane but it is carried on the plane, in the hold.